D’Angelo Russell Wasn’t Thrilled About Returning To Lakers After Getting Benched In Nuggets Series

According to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN, D’Angelo Russell wasn’t thrilled about returning to the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency after getting benched in the 2023 Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. 

The Lakers got swept by the Nuggets and Russell felt like he was the “scapegoat.”

“They were like, ‘We’re going to do whatever to try to keep you here,'” Russell said. “And I was like, ‘Are y’all going to let me rock out, though?'”

Russell wound up re-signing with the Lakers on a two-year, $36 million contract. He waived his implied no-trade clause and pushed to have a player option for next season. 

The Lakers preferred a deal with no player option, but Russell’s side pushed for one.

“That was our idea,” Russell said, referring to the stipulation he and his agent, Austin Brown of CAA, added to the deal. “Because, I mean, I’m a point guard for the Lakers. All there has to be is another point guard … that wants to be here. And that’s something that the Lakers are capable of doing. Not every organization is.”

The Lakers shopped Russell at this year’s NBA trade deadline, but the Ohio State product wasn’t moved. He’s averaging 18.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists this season while shooting 47.1% from the field, 42.4% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line. 

“When I’m straddling the line of ‘I can be traded,’ ain’t nobody saying, ‘Hey bro, don’t worry about that trade s—,'” Russell said. “I’m getting ate up in the media and ain’t nobody saying nothing? Cool. I’m on my own. I’m on my own s—. I ain’t tripping, I’m built for that. My approach: Care less, do better. And that’s what was.”

The Lakers are 36-30 on the season. They are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings.