D'Angelo Russell chasing his own ghost ahead of career-defining Lakers season

The 2018-19 Brooklyn Nets were one of the most unlikely success stories of the past 10 years. Led by a cast of young and unproven players, Brooklyn inexplicably won 42 games and reached the playoffs in the midst of an era that was defined by one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history.

At the heart of the Nets' overachievement was the breakout player who earned All-Star status for his leading role in the team's success: D'Angelo Russell.

Russell appeared in 81 games in 2018-19, averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.9 three-point field goals made per contest. In addition to being named an All-Star, he finished second in the voting for Most Improved Player.

Unfortunately, the Nets quickly shifted priorities and shipped Russell out the next summer in a deal that landed Kevin Durant and began the franchise's cursed Big Three era.

Five years later, Russell has spent time with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His run in Los Angeles is ongoing, but many believe Russell could be traded ahead of the 2025 deadline or allowed to walk in free agency next summer.

As Russell prepares for what Lakers head coach JJ Redick has projected as a career year, he seems to be chasing the ghost that was never permitted to travel safely across the hallowed NBA halls.

D'Angelo Russell knows what it's like to show out and still be traded

Russell has been one of the most productive players on the Lakers during his second stint with the team. This past season, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 3.0 three-point field goals made on .456/.415/.828 shooting.

Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry, and Russell are the only players in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 threes on 40.0 percent shooting or better from beyond the arc.

Unfortunately, a subpar showing in the postseason has rendered Russell's regular season success irrelevant in the eyes of the skeptics. He played well at times, posting 23 points, six assists, and seven three-point field goals made in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets, and dropped 21 points in Game 4, but those showings bookended an 0-of-7 effort in a crucial Game 3 loss.

As Russell approaches yet another season that could be preceding a change in home venue, 2023-24 has become as an unfortunate reminder of the events of the 2018-19 season.

Without Russell, the Lakers likely would've failed to reach the Playoffs in the first place—same as the Nets. In addition to thriving throughout the regular season, he dropped 21 points and six assists during the Lakers' 110-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament.

It's a conveniently glossed-over fact that seems to dismiss the reality that Anthony Davis and LeBron James shot a combined 12-of-36 from the field during the Play-In Tournament.

Despite the areas in which Russell has succeeded, however, the ghost of his Brooklyn era continues to haunt him. No matter how well he plays during the regular season and even the Play-In Tournament, his postseason shortcomings have resulted in teams undervaluing his overall contributions.

As Russell looks to make the most of what could be his final season in Los Angeles, the ghost he can't escape is the one he must find a way to overcome.

Failing to do so could mean finding a new home once again.