D'Angelo Russell's refreshing honesty creates undeniable Lakers intrigue

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell has learned to take the tumultuous nature of an NBA career in stride. Between incessant trade rumors, unexplained benchings, and erratic support from fans, Russell's Lakers career alone has been chaotic.

As the JJ Redick era begins and Russell takes on a new role within the team's hierarchy, however, he's become one of the stars of the offseason.

Russell utilized Media Day as a platform to apologize for his immaturity and unprofessionalism in 2023-24. It was an unexpected development that began the process of a shift in perception of the All-Star ahead of what could be his final season in Los Angeles.

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Russell continued the trend of speaking candidly by discussing his experience with past head coaches and general managers, and how there's already a noticeable difference with Redick.

"I'm not throwing shots at anybody ... but I've never really had the opportunity to build a relationship with a coach over a long period of time," Russell said. "For me to see how JJ is trying to bring the playcalls and just level of IQ into each practice and each film session, to see how he's prioritizing that. I've always been a guy that wants to prioritize high IQ, [high-level] verbiage, [high-level] film sessions ... like, let's rise to that. And he's obviously doing that. It's something to look forward to."

Russell continued, telling a story of how he had left the Lakers' facility and was still thinking about how Redick had opened the door for him to thrive with the introduction of a new play.

"I was on the golf course and I was thinking about it and I sent JJ a little voice note," Russell said. "Thanking him for putting that [play] out. I'd never seen it. I'm not trying to hype it up but I thanked him for showing me that. ... I saw him getting into his bag right there and it's exciting for players to notice stuff like that."

That single play isn't the focus here, but instead, the fact that Redick was willing and able to think beyond the typical mold of what Russell offers to create inclusive offense.

D'Angelo Russell

Russell's comments are a harrowing example of what he's endured throughout his NBA career. Whether he's thrived or struggled, he's been consistently relocated before he's been able to set down roots and establish a sustainable rhythm.

In nine seasons, Russell has made five stops with four franchises, including two stints with the Lakers and a run with the Brooklyn Nets during which he was traded directly after an All-Star season.

Since rejoining the Lakers in 2023, Russell has been tasked with playing through his shortcomings without the trust of his coaching staff. He was benched during the 2023 Western Conference Finals and was again returned to the second unit in 2023-24.

Both scenarios resulted in Russell finding his name in trade rumors—and neither were followed by open communication with former head coach Darvin Ham.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, however, Redick has already put an end to the trade rumors hanging over Russell's head. He praised him as a leader and plainly stated that the 28-year-old will play a "major role" in the Lakers' system.

The latest development is Russell's most recent comments, which seem to indicate that Redick is putting his money where his mouth is.

Russell is an undeniably gifted player, with a well-rounded offensive skill set that enables him to score from anywhere on the court. In 2023-24, he joined Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Kyle Lowry as the only players in NBA history to average at leats 18.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made on 40.0 percent shooting or better from beyond the arc.

In 2024-25, Redick intends to give Russell every opportunity to not only build upon that individual success, but play a valued role in the team's bigger goals.