Russell’s Rocky Season and New Beginnings…
The Los Angeles Lakers decided that running it back for the 2024-25 season was like trying to win a pie-eating contest with just a fork—awkward and messy. D’Angelo Russell, hoping to shine like a disco ball at a socks-only party, found himself benched more often than a backup mascot. Despite posting career-best shooting stats the year before, Russell couldn’t quite groove with the Lakers’ new conductor, JJ Redick. After starting just 10 out of 29 games, it was a not-so-shocking plot twist when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, carrying a souvenir of cheerleading duties along.
Russell’s highlight came in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers where he turned into a one-man band, hitting a tune of 28 points, 14 assists, and a whole lot of “how do you like me now” moments. Like a magician pulling basketballs instead of rabbits, Russell handled a hefty workload with LeBron James and Austin Reaves out. Looking forward, Russell skated his way to the Dallas Mavericks to spell Kyrie Irving. Armed with a contract and likely a very stylish pair of cowboy boots, he is expected to step in for the injured star until Irving is ready to cowboy-up again.
