D’Angelo Russell’s journey through the NBA has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows, trades and transitions. His latest move from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets has once again put him in the spotlight, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Russell began his NBA career with the Lakers in 2015, being drafted second overall after an impressive college stint at Ohio State
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. His rookie season showed promise with averages of 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, but the Lakers struggled to make a significant impact in the standings
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. Despite his solid performance, the Lakers decided to trade him to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017, along with Timofey Mozgov, in exchange for Brook Lopez and the rights to Kyle Kuzma
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In Brooklyn, Russell flourished, making his first All-Star appearance in 2019 with averages of 21.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game
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. His time with the Nets was a turning point in his career, showcasing his potential as a top-tier point guard
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. However, his tenure with the Nets came to an end when he was traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2019, and later to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020
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Russell’s return to the Lakers in 2023 was met with high expectations, as the team aimed to build a championship-contending roster around him, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis
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. Unfortunately, his second stint with the Lakers was short-lived and marked by inconsistency
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. Despite helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals, Russell struggled to find his footing and was eventually traded to the Nets once again in December 2024
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The trade saw the Lakers acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, along with three future second-round picks, in exchange for Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and the three picks
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. Finney-Smith, known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, was expected to fill a crucial role for the Lakers, while Milton brought steady playmaking to the team
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Russell’s return to the Nets has been a fresh start for him, allowing him to play in a familiar environment where he can focus on regaining his All-Star form
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. His journey through multiple teams and trades has been a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed in the NBA.
For more details on the trade and its implications, you can watch this YouTube video that provides an in-depth analysis of the deal and its impact on both teams.
D’Angelo Russell’s career is a fascinating story of perseverance and adaptation, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of the NBA.
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Yardbarker
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www.nba.com
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apnews.com
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