D'Angelo Russell says he's working out 'every day' during his trip to China

In an interview with Broderick Turner of the L.A. Times on Monday, Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell confirmed what anyone even casually following his summer on social media already knew: he's spending a whole lot of time working on improving his game.

"Every day. ... Every day," Russell told Turner when asked how often he is working out on his trip to China. "I actually said I wasn't going to take this trip if I couldn't... I didn't want to go if I couldn't get the time in the gym."

If Russell wanted time in the gym, he's gotten his wish this offseason. The second-year guard has been working out past midnight at times and showing off impressive ball-handling drills with his personal trainer at others. Not even all of Russell's workouts have taken place in the gym, as the guard also dribbled at least part of the length of the Great Wall of China. He told Turner it's all aimed towards showing what he can do.

"I feel like I have something to prove, man. It's a dedication thing."

At 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, Russell know he needs to get stronger. He's fully aware that all of his skills must be sharpened in order to make a meaningful impact in the NBA.

"I'll let my game speak for itself," he said.

If Russell's time in the gym pays off on the court with an improved sophomore season, his game will speak loudly enough to drown out all of those ready to call him a bust after just one year in the league.

You can follow this author on Twitter at @hmfaigen.