D’Angelo Russell has already played his first game back with the Brooklyn Nets. While the team failed to snatch a win against Toronto, it was a feel-good moment for some Nets fans to see the former Lakers guard back in Brooklyn garb.
The second pick of the 2015 Draft was shipped back to the team he played for from 2017-19 after falling out of JJ Redick’s rotation at the Crypto.com Arena. While the rookie head coach recognized the Ohio State product’s on-court contribution, he felt the Lakers had enough going on with the guard rotation that they could do without him.
The former Laker was asked about his thoughts on the trade that sent him back to New York, and his answers might interest fans of the Purple and Gold.
D’Angelo Russell is excited to play with the Nets after the Lakers trade
Russell was straightforward with his answers when asked about the trade from Los Angeles. He said he’s more than happy to start his second stint in Brooklyn with familiar faces he’ll be happy to play with.
Per Athlon Sports’ Madz Dizon:
“It’s a good feeling, honestly, to go back somewhere you’re comfortable, somewhere you kind of know the ins and outs a little bit,” Russell said, per NY Post’s Brian Lewis.
“It kind of makes the process a little easier to adjust to. So, I’m just grateful for that.”
Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez also emphasized the qualities Russell will bring to the team:
“He brings leadership and playmaking ability, which will be important for us moving forward,” Fernandez noted.
Will Russell fare better with the Nets than the Lakers?
While D’Angelo Russell’s Brookly return is a feel-good moment for long-time Nets fans, it’s hard to avoid the question of whether D’Angelo can recapture some of his shine during his first stint at the Barclays Center.
D’Lo was a phenomenal player during his two years with the Nets, averaging 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists from 2017 until 2019. Meanwhile, his final year in LA saw him put up a more disappointing 12.4 points, 2.8 boards, and 4.7 dimes as he saw himself fall out of favor in Redick’s rotation.
The Brooklyn Nets isn’t the perfect destination for Russell if he wants to win an NBA title. However, the team would give him the minutes he badly needed from Tinseltown.
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