Adult D'Angelo Russell Returns to Lakers: "I'm Not A Child Anymore"
It's been six years since D'Angelo Russell last wore the yellow and purple jersey of the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time, the 1996 defender went through many ups and downs, wearing three different colors before returning to the LA team.
“A lot has happened in the last six years. The team also changed. I also changed. Now the two have reunited, a scenario I didn't think of," Russell said at the launch press conference held at the Lakers' training facility.
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired D'Angelo Russell through a tripartite exchange during the recent NBA Trade Deadline transfer window. Russell arrives in LA with Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley.
In the opposite direction, Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones and the 2027 first-round picks were transferred to the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.
One Russell goes, another Russell comes. With the current roster, the Los Angeles Lakers hope to be able to accelerate to the Playoffs, and D'Angelo is very willing to use his maturity to contribute to the new team.
“My goal has always been to help the team I can to the best of my ability. Over the last 6 years, I've been in the Playoffs, been an All-Star, done more things on and off the field. I have matured and I think I can make a positive contribution to this very ambitious team."
D'Angelo Russell entered the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers' second pick of 2015, picking from Ohio State. In the two years of wearing the yellow and purple shirt, Russell and LA's fledgling squad won only 43 out of 164 matches.
D'Lo was then traded to the Brooklyn Nets and became an All-Star the following season. By the summer of 2019, he was on his way to the Golden State Warriors in the signing-and-trade blockbuster Kevin Durant.
"Sitting is not warm" with the Golden Gate Bridge team, Russell was traded again to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Andrew Wiggins In both seasons playing for the Nets and Warriors mentioned above, D'Lo was with his teammates. entered the Playoffs but were eliminated in the first round.
Now back in the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell will join his teammates in trying to make it to the Playoffs. Currently, the Crypto.com Arena home team has a record of 25-31, losing 6 of the last 9 matches and 2.5 matches away from the last play-in position (ranked 10).
The season has 26 more games to go and the opportunity is still there for the Lakers, but coach Darvin Ham's men need to win as many games as possible to both improve their performance and help lift their spirits after about a difficult month. last towel.
“I never thought I would come back here because the direction of myself and the team over the years has not been the same. But now that I'm here, I really appreciate this opportunity and am ready to do everything I can," said D'Angelo Russell - owner of an average of 17.9 points and 6.2 assists per game.
“I feel like I'm ready. My style of play can quickly adapt to any attack system and I think I can meet the requirements of the coaching staff.
It will also be easier for me to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Their appeal is huge and there will be plenty of room for the rest of the names.
No matter what position, playing under any environment, I believe in my ability. I believe that I can do well and help people,” Russell closed the interview.
It is expected that D'Angelo Russell will be able to debut fans on Sunday (February 12, Vietnam time), the match where the Lakers face an old D'Lo team, the Golden State Warriors.
