D’Angelo Russell’s recent trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets marks a significant shift in his career.
The move, part of a larger roster reshuffle by the Lakers, has sparked discussions about team dynamics and player influence.
Russell, a former No. 2 draft pick, returns to Brooklyn where he previously played from 2017 to 2019.
The trade has generated speculation about the decision-making process within the Lakers organization. While rumors circulate about potential influences on the trade, the focus remains on how this move will impact both teams.
For Russell, this transition presents an opportunity to showcase his skills in a familiar environment, potentially boosting his value in a team undergoing reconstruction.
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This week, Russell reflected on how his second stint in L.A. came to an end.
“I mean, just like getting traded anytime before that, you know, you got to adjust. So it has just been an adjustment for me. Learning the players, learning the coaching staff, learning Brooklyn’s new ways. Lot’s changed since I have been here. So just trying to adjust, jump right in with these guys,” he stated.
“It’s a good feeling, honestly, to go back somewhere you’re comfortable, somewhere you know the ins and outs a little bit. See some familiar faces. It kind of makes the process a little easier to adjust to. So I’m just grateful for that.”
D’Angelo Russell’s Lakers Legacy
D’Angelo Russell’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a tale of two chapters. In 2015, the Lakers selected Russell as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, including a 39-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets that set a new Lakers rookie record for three-pointers.
Russell’s potential was evident from the start. He led all rookies in steals and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. His sophomore year saw further growth, highlighted by a career-high 40-point game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, knee and calf injuries hampered his progress.
By 2017, Russell’s relationship with the Lakers had soured, leading to his trade to the Brooklyn Nets. He then bounced around the league, playing for the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves before finding his way back to Los Angeles.
Russell’s return to the Lakers in February 2023 marked a new era for both the player and the team. He made an immediate impact, scoring 15 points and dishing out 6 assists in his first game back. His performance in the 2023-24 season was particularly noteworthy:
- Career playoff-high 31 points against Memphis
- Broke Lakers’ records for three-pointers in a season
- Scored a season-high 44 points against the Milwaukee Bucks
This second stint with the Lakers showcased Russell’s growth as a player. No longer the inconsistent rookie, he emerged as a confident leader and key contributor to the team’s championship aspirations.
Russell’s journey with the Lakers has been marked by:
- High expectations as a top draft pick
- Early promise and record-breaking performances
- Challenges and trade away from the team
- A triumphant return and renewed success
His ability to overcome setbacks and return to the Lakers as an improved player demonstrates Russell’s resilience and dedication to his craft.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
