By taking cheeky dig at LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell admits he’ll never take playing basketball for granted ever again

Nets D'Angelo Russell took a jibe at his former team the Lakers and LeBron James while discussing the transition due to the trade.

By taking cheeky dig at LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell admits he’ll never take playing basketball for granted ever again

D'Angelo Russell shaded the Lakers after trade to the Nets

D’Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakers’ relationship started to have a downfall earlier this season. After the guard’s consistent poor performances, Russell was removed from the starting lineup. But it seems that the situation worsened as the team ended up trading Russell to the Brooklyn Nets. That is why, Russell took a dig at his former team after the loss against the New York Knicks.

In the post-game press conference, D’Angelo Russell reflected on the midseason transition from LA to the Nets. The star expressed enjoyment in his new role as the point guard in Brooklyn but also took a jibe at the Lakers. The team changed Russell’s playing style to work next to LeBron James. It seems Russell was not happy about the change as he described his role at Brooklyn as ‘free’.

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I’ll never take being able to play free basketball like this for granted again.

D’Angelo Russell said.

Russell is primarily known for his offensive skills and scoring abilities. However, this season the Lakers’ coaching staff expected the star to contribute on the opposite side of the court. Russell was also given the responsibility of off-ball movements as James concentrated on scoring. This was restricting Russell’s game which led to the star making the taunting statement.

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Despite not mentioning any names, Russell’s perspective seems valid. After playing two incredible seasons with the Lakers, Russell was struggling with the team. But his performance changed as soon as he reunited with the Nets. Russell has recorded two double-doubles and two 20+ points games in the last seven matchups. It seems that LA was indeed the problem for Russell.

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Ex-Lakers star believes LeBron James was responsible for D’Angelo Russell’s trade

This season the Lakers made numerous surprising decisions about their organization. From replacing Darwin Ham with JJ Redick as the head coach to selecting Bronny James in the second round of the draft. The team made more than a few bold decisions which surprised fans and generated criticism for the team.

It was rumored that LeBron James had a big role in all those decisions. Considering James’ relationship with both Bronny and Redick, the connection raised some questions. That is why when the news of D’Lo’s trade came, James’ former teammate Dwight Howard connected the dots. During his Instagram Live, the ex-DPOY pointed fingers at James without hesitating.

D-Lo went to the Nets…what’s going on Lakers? LeGM made the decision. LeGM said it’s enough D-Lo.

Dwight Howard.
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Despite clear evidence being absent, Howard might not be wrong here. Before Russell’s trade, the rumors of the tension between him and the Lakers main man were surfacing in the NBA world. Also, to taunt his former teammate, James even did Russell’s famous celebration during his return to LA after the traded.