D’Angelo Russell is reuniting with Anthony Davis on the Dallas Mavericks. After agreeing to terms on a two-year, $13 million deal with Dallas, Russell was greeted by his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate with a promise.
Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell Reunite With Title Hopes for Dallas Mavericks
Davis and Russell used to play together, and now they can run it back. The reunion kicked off with a bold promise from Davis, who showed Russell his NBA championship photo and said, “We going to get you one of these,” per The Backyard Podcast.
The Mavericks added Russell as Kyrie Irving continues recovering from a torn ACL. The move gives Dallas a reliable veteran option to start at point guard until Irving returns, likely around January. The contract includes a player option for Year 2.
Russell, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, played with Davis during his second stint with the Lakers. While their chemistry wasn’t a major storyline in Los Angeles, the two could see extended time together again in Dallas, especially early in the season.
“We going to get you one of these”
– Anthony Davis to D’Angelo Russell showing him his picture with the NBA Championship
Via (@The_BackyardPod) pic.twitter.com/lJ49VF7s8C
— Icey (@IceyDLO) June 30, 2025
Russell split last season between the Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds on 39% shooting, all career lows. Injuries and inconsistencies have impacted his production, but the Mavericks are betting on his experience and playmaking in Jason Kidd’s system.
Davis, who arrived from the Lakers in the February trade that sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, is expected to lead the team while Irving is sidelined. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, will also be a key piece of the rotation. With Russell running the offense and Davis anchoring the paint, Dallas has the core to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Russell’s Deal Signals Trust in Dallas’ Title Pursuit
Russell’s deal came through the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, representing a notable drop from his previous contracts. The Lakers had paid him $36 million over two seasons before letting him walk in free agency. His willingness to take a smaller deal suggests a shift in priorities, playing meaningful basketball and competing for a title.
The Mavericks missed the playoffs last season despite acquiring Davis. They finished 39-43 and were knocked out in the Play-In by Memphis. But after drafting Flagg and re-signing key contributors like Daniel Gafford, the front office moved quickly to reshape the roster.
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Dallas’ projected starting five — Russell, Klay Thompson, Flagg, Davis, and Gafford — offers a blend of veteran leadership, defensive size, and scoring versatility. Russell’s role in this setup will be to distribute the ball, run sets, and maintain pace until Irving returns.
There’s still debate about how well Russell fits alongside Davis. Their pick-and-roll game in Los Angeles never fully clicked, and it’s unclear if things will be different in Kidd’s system. But the Mavericks are confident they’ve found the right pieces, and Davis is already setting high expectations.
