On Friday, D’ Angelo Russell met the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time after his trade. In the run-up to the game, the Brooklyn Nets’ Guard was critical of himself in L. A. during his time. was uttered.
Russell had been traded to Brooklyn in June, and was in a way replaced by Rookie Lonzo Ball, as the Lakers “needed a leader,”as team president Magic Johnson said at the time. Russell is no one who makes his teammates better, he also explained. These statements didn’t go down as well with Russell as he now admitted.
“I’d say that made me a little angry,”said Russell,”but I can only control what I can control. He’s in a position where he can say what he wants. I’m trying to focus on what I can do myself.”
To his time in L. A. Russell, who currently averages 21.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5 assists for Brooklyn, looked back with mixed feelings:”I’ve been through a lot here,”said the 21-year-old,”Not much of it was in my control. I have experienced a lot here, with Kobe’s farewell tour and so on… I congratulate myself for coming through this.”
Afterwards, however, Russell made it clear that he considered the attention for Kobe Bryant to be justified in his last season. Nor did he want to criticize the Lakers as an organization. However, he is still happy about the new beginning in Brooklyn.
“No matter what you’ve experienced, a fresh start is always good,”says Russell.”It’s a new opportunity. And there’s no need to complain as long as you’re in the league anyway. You see players come and go every year. Just being in this league is a pleasure.”