Despite his flaws, D’Angelo Russell was embraced by Los Angeles Lakers fans when the team traded for him during the 2023 trade deadline. Russell was the headline return in the trade that sent Russell Westbrook packing, making it extremely easy for fans to support him.
Russell’s second tenure with the Lakers started off well. He played well enough in the playoffs and had a huge game against the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the NBA Playoffs to help LA win that series.
That being said, the playoffs produced more head-scratching moments than good ones. Russell struggled offensively in several key games (including all of the Western Conference Finals) and was playing terribly defensively. It was not a good showing for Russell.
The Lakers still brought Russell back on a deal that screams future trade because it is better to bring him back than lose him for nothing. Fans understandably have their guard up on what to expect with Russell, who took the time during Pat Beverley’s podcast to complain about the criticism. This, in turn, has caused fans to turn on D’Lo even more. (Warning, NSFW language).
“F*ck I gotta do, Pat? Y’all want me to play PG, I’ll play point. Y’all want me to play SG - what y’all want from me? I shoot 40% from 3, what y’all want? Want me to win the game the last 2 minutes too?”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 2, 2023
D’Angelo Russell on last season 🗣️
(via @PatBevPod)pic.twitter.com/KFtPPTdMBR
D’Angelo Russell’s tone-deaf comments drive away Lakers fans
This is not the kind of thing that fans want to hear after the playoff series that Russell had against the Nuggets. It would be one thing if this was an outlier and was just one playoff series but Russell has had concerns around his game for years, hence why the Minnesota Timberwolves were in a hurry to get rid of him.
Complaining about the criticism, acting like he was playing far better than he actually was, and then ironically saying he is just going to stay humble is not a great look. Lakers fans respect players who put their heads down and win and can take criticism when it is warranted.
The 2023-24 season is going to be an interesting one for D’Lo and it will be even more interesting to see how the fanbase reacts. He could look his starting spot to Gabe Vincent but then the Lakers may worry that he will check out, which is what they were reportedly worried about in the NBA Playoffs.
If D’Lo plays well and takes accountability when he does not then it will be smooth sailing next season. If comments like this become the trend then the situation will quickly sour just like it did with Westbrook.