D’Angelo Russell’s New Chapter with the Mavericks
D’Angelo Russell, the former Los Angeles Lakers point guard, has embarked on a new journey with the Dallas Mavericks, but not without taking aim at his past in Los Angeles. Since leaving the Lakers, Russell has been candid about his experiences, suggesting that his time with the team was anything but smooth.
A Shift to Structure
In a recent interview, Russell expressed his desire for a more structured environment, stating, “I’ve had limited structure in my career, so to get to an organization which, as you can see, is full on structure — from the youth, coaches, veterans… Plug me into something like that and I like my odds too.” This statement underscores his hope that the Mavericks will provide the solid foundation he craves, contrasting sharply with his turbulent tenure in Los Angeles.
Russell first joined the Lakers in 2015 after being selected as the second overall pick. During his initial two seasons, he showed flashes of promise but ultimately left for the Brooklyn Nets in 2017. His return to Los Angeles in the 2022-23 season was brief, as he was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves, only to part ways with the Lakers once more after the 2024 season.
Reflections on His Lakers Tenure
Reflecting on his time with the Lakers, Russell has not shied away from expressing how it affected him. He remarked, “It’s great. I would never take it for granted, coming from where I came from. Obviously, I was a little traumatized there.” His candidness highlights the challenges he faced in Los Angeles, adding a layer of complexity to his narrative.
Now, with the Mavericks, Russell is focusing on redefining his role within a cohesive team framework. “I’m at the point in my career where I’m not going out and scoring 25 points every night and wowing with numbers,” he explained. “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.”
Statistical Legacy with the Lakers
Throughout his five seasons with the Lakers, Russell played more games with this franchise than any other, amassing 265 appearances. During this time, he averaged 15.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, with his standout performance occurring during the 2023-24 season when he posted averages of 18.0 points and 6.3 assists.
As Russell prepares to face his former team in the upcoming season, the Lakers will undoubtedly be keen to avoid repeating past mistakes, especially after their previous encounters. With a fresh start in Dallas, Russell seems poised for a new chapter, one where he hopes to thrive in a structured environment that aligns with his aspirations.
