D’Angelo Russell’s career has taken him across the country, from the bright lights of Los Angeles to the structure-driven culture of Brooklyn, to stints in Golden State and Minnesota, and now to Dallas. But it’s his recent honest reflection about the difference between the Lakers and the Nets that’s turning heads and offering a rare look into the mind of a player who’s experienced both chaos and consistency.
How Did D’Angelo Russell’s Time With the Lakers and Brooklyn Shape His Career?
Russell was drafted second overall by the Lakers in 2015, viewed as the potential future of the franchise. But the timing couldn’t have been more complicated. He entered a locker room dominated by Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour, with constant media attention and a coaching staff in flux. Russell was young and raw and was thrown into the deep end of a storied franchise without much of a support system.
Two years later, he was gone, traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017.
That change of scenery became a turning point.
“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,” Russell said. “I always approached the game… I just was kind of nonchalant and I felt like I could just wing it. How to sleep, how to eat, how to recover and that’s why I’m still playing to this day honestly… That’s what Brooklyn taught me.”
D’Angelo Russell opens up about the difference of structure being on the Lakers versus the Nets:
“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.” đź’Ż pic.twitter.com/tkElY9gh2M
— Wy Network by Dwyane Wade (@wynetwork) August 6, 2025
In Brooklyn, Russell discovered a home where he could develop both on and off the court. He became more than just a gifted guard, figuring things out. In 2019, he was named an All-Star and became the focal point of a rebuilding team that emphasized player development, accountability, and structure.
What Does Russell’s Fresh Start in Dallas Mean for His Future?
Meanwhile, his time with the Lakers felt like a missed opportunity. Even when he returned to the team for his second stint in 2023, helping them reach the playoffs, the connection never felt completely secure. He faced criticism for his poor postseason performance after a strong regular season, and by the end of 2024, he had been traded back to the Nets once more.
Now Russell finds himself in Dallas with a new beginning. He’s surrounded by superstars like Anthony Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and is expected to take on a bigger role with Kyrie Irving sidelined due to an ACL injury.
Time will tell if this new chapter brings out the best in him. But one thing is clear: Russell has grown from his experiences and isn’t afraid to speak openly about what shaped that growth. His journey from the chaotic early years in Los Angeles to the structured environment in Brooklyn shows how the right situation can transform a player’s career trajectory.
