Why Lakers fans should thank Manu Ginobili for D'Angelo Russell's rise

Spurs' longtime star, an all-time international great, was Russell's favorite while growing up

As a rookie, D'Angelo Russell could not have had a greater teacher than Kobe Bryant. The Lakers superstar was the model of hard work and dedication. But while Bryant is a lot of people's favorite player, Russell interestingly enough, grew up idolizing another player: San Antonio Spurs sixth man Manu Ginobili.

Russell says his game is inspired by the Spurs star, saying he developed his passing skills by watching Ginobili.

From ESPN's Baxter Holmes:

"See, it's different when you ask who your favorite player was. You can say those American guys who made their name, like Kobe and Allen Iverson and Shaq and all those types of guys," he said. "But I really look at it and say, if I could model my game after somebody [it would be Ginobili]."

Russell explained further by saying that if a player wanted to emulate, say, Dwyane Wade, he might focus more on pump-faking and midrange jumpers. If that player liked Bryant, precision footwork would be a priority. It depends what suited that specific player.

"You try to go to what you're accustomed to," he said. "And Manu was never as athletic, but he could really pass the ball. He could score the ball, and he was just so unpredictable, and he was a lefty, so he was a player that I really prided myself on being."

Russell and Ginobili share similarities. They are both left handed with great court vision, can make unbelievable passes and are excellent at slashing to the rim. Ginboili is also a fine defender, though defense is an aspect Russell is fine tuning.

Russell, 20, is evolving. But using a player like Ginobili as a blueprint is smart. After all, Ginobili is a Spurs legend and one of the best all-time international players.