After getting seemingly put in Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s doghouse, D’Angelo Russell has become a big talking point in the Purple & Gold realm. However, it doesn’t seem Russell is taking any issue with the decision to move him to the bench after being a starter in each of the first eight LA games of the 2024-25 NBA season.
“I left all that, all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches and new staff came in,” Russell said after he came off the bench and scored 18 points to help the Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Friday, 116-106, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “I was committed to whatever it takes. That’s what y’all see now.”
Accepting any role the Lakers deem to be best for the team has earned acceptance from Russell, who picked up his $18.69 million player option with Los Angeles for the 2024-25 NBA season last June.
“My approach has been to be professional from day one,” Russell added. “And I’m committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I’m egoless. So I just want to win.”
Fans on social media react to Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell’s statement
“I love this approach that he is going to this year and he balled out tonight,” said a fan.
Another one commented: “There’s a difference between players that “want to win” and players that hate to lose. I want players that hate to lose.”
“Send him off to shanghai,” said another fan who clearly isn’t buying Russell’s mindset.
A separate comment read: “I love this approach that he is going to this year and he balled out tonight.”
“Respect to D’Angelo for putting the team first. Adapting and leaving the ego behind shows real commitment to winning! 🏆” wrote a fan.
For More NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us at @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of the NBA – especially with all the NBA trade rumors swirling around and NBA free agency news – college basketball, and also the WNBA, click here!
