D’Angelo Russell Takes Cheeky Dig at Lakers, Admits Learning Professionalism After Coming to Brooklyn

Former Laker D'Angelo Russell did not hold back his feelings regarding the Lakers on his recent apperance on the WyNetwork podcast.

D’Angelo Russell Takes Cheeky Dig at Lakers, Admits Learning Professionalism After Coming to Brooklyn

D'Angelo Russell (Image by FirstSportz)

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Not so long ago, NBA star D’Angelo Russell was in Los Angeles with the Lakers, hooping with the likes of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, as well as former Laker Anthony Davis. But his stay with the Lakers was short-lived due to immense roster competition and several injuries, leading to poor performances season after season. The Lakers traded Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in 2024.

A year later, Russell, who spent most of his life in Brooklyn, appears to have improved during his time with the Nets. Russell recently spoke on Dwyane Wade‘s podcast, Wy Network, where he discussed a range of NBA-related subjects. However, his analysis of his old team, the Lakers, was the one that grabbed everyone’s interest.

In stark contrast to his time in Los Angeles, the current Dallas Mavericks star asserted that his time with the Nets since joining had essentially rescued his career, taking a shot at the Lakers in the process.

I came from the Lakers where the structure is not the same, and then I go to Brooklyn where it’s all structure and it taught me how to be a professional.

D’Angelo Russell said

Russell continued by describing how his tenure with the Nets changed his perspective and work ethic. He further claimed that the team educated him on how to prepare, practice, and recuperate like a pro. These were the know-hows rhe had not acquired during his early Lakers years.

Russell has never depended on exceptional speed or rapidity to influence the game, in contrast to many of the athletic point guards of today. Whether it’s setting up plays, spotting three-pointers, or just assisting his team in finding an open look, he thrives on the perimeter.

Many have termed Russell a ‘smooth operator’ in the game. Given that, the former Net has now moved on from Brooklyn and has joined the Mavericks during the NBA Free Agency. Russell agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Mavericks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

D’Angelo Russell once made a clear case regarding his rookie year with the Lakers

It was the Lakers themselves who drafted D’Angelo Russell back in 2015 as the second overall. But ever since he was drafted back then, Russell’s tenure with the Lakers has never been great. He did not live up to the expectations, and the Lakers did not provide enough support to Russell back then, so much so that the former Laker even opened up on his stint back in 2016 regarding his rookie year, claiming it was nothing but a failure.

Last off-season was Looney Tunes, Wasn’t real. I didn’t get nothing out of it.

D’Angello Russell said
D'Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell (Credits: MARCA)

10 years later, the former Laker is in a safe place at the moment, joining the Mavericks ahead of this season. Alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and rising phenom Cooper Flagg, he will hope to have his greatest season yet after posting 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 36.7% shooting in 2024–25.

D’Angelo Russell provided an intriguing insight into his deal with the Mavs

D’Angelo Russell was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in this trade market during NBA Free Agency. The Mavs’ general manager, Nico Harrison, did not take any chances by waiting when they saw Russell reach free agency. Without hesitation, he signed Russell to his roster. Russell did, however, offer a fascinating perspective on the moment he decided to join the Mavericks.

He posted the behind-the-scenes footage from his phone conversation with Harrison, who was thrilled to be taking him to Dallas, on his YouTube account.

I can’t believe I still got your number. I appreciate you, I’m so excited. You really fit what we’re trying to do.

Nico Harrison told D’Angelo Russell via his YouTube channel

Before they hung up, the 29-year-old assured Harrison that he would arrange an exercise session with Mavs veteran guard Klay Thompson as they were both on vacation in Miami, demonstrating how quickly he was able to adjust to his new team. Russell’s successful season might put Dallas back on track to contend for the championship in 2025–2026.

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