D’Angelo Russell has had an impressive yet turbulent NBA career. The guard has bounced around the league since 2015, playing with four different teams including his current one, the Brooklyn Nets.
Russell, however, revealed that he has some trauma related to his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
D’Angelo Russell Angers NBA Fans With Comments About His Lakers Stint
After an initial few years with the Lakers, Russell ended up playing for the Nets from 2017 to 2019, followed by brief stints with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. However, Russell ended up in LA in 2022-23, before moving to Brooklyn again in 2024.
Describing his time around the league, Russell ended up referring to his time in LA as ‘traumatic’.
Speaking to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Russell said:
“It’s great. I would never take it for granted, coming from where I came from. Obviously, I was a little traumatized there. To be here and get the opportunity to just be me where there’s familiarity as well is just icing on the cake.”
“I’m at the point in my career where I’m not going out and scoring 25 points every night and wowing with numbers. It’s a point where I’m trying to gravitate towards doing it the right way, and how I can contribute to winning is my priority.”
Fans, however, remained unimpressed with Russell. Many dubbed him a loser, not happy with his take on the Lakers.
Damn.. this some loser shit. Couldn’t count on players with this mindset to win championships https://t.co/NvxWSeX5t1
— Smithy (@waverunnersmith) March 11, 2025
Some chose to blame the guard’s performance while in LA for his experience, claiming that he could not handle the pressure.
“Traumatized from the bricks he put up in LA,” one fan wrote. “This dude has never sniffed 25 a game,” a user said.
“Dlo couldn’t handle the bright lights, scrutiny and expectations of playing championship or bust basketball for less than 2 years,” another user added on X. “Has dude even averaged 25 a game?” one fan questioned.
Other fans wondered if it was Russell who couldn’t handle the pressure. “Basically, I want no accountability/responsibility, and just play carefree,” a user said. “Dude just wants to play with zero expectations, we got it the first 5 times lol,” a fan wrote.
“No expectations and no fans 🥳,” one person added.
Russell is Glad Coach Fernandez Trusts Him
Though Russell wasn’t sure of his time in LA, he is sure Nets coach Jordi Fernández trusts him already.
Furthermore, Russell is already looking to stay a long time in Brooklyn.
“He (Coach Fernandez) lets me do that. He trusts me already, so I can imagine getting to training camp for something like that and having that under my belt with the guys. I think the sky’s the limit,” Russell said.
Averaging 13 points, 5.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds, Russell is an integral part of the Nets roster. The Nets are slated to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, March 13 at the United Center.