Since the Los Angeles Lakers decided to trade D'Angelo Russell after just two seasons, the former second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft has repeatedly answered questions about his reaction to the move.
One of the primary things Russell has addressed regarding the situation is Lakers team president Magic Johnson‘s stirring comments made subtly toward him, stating that the team needed a leader at the point guard position.
Despite these strong remarks, Russell has for the most part taken the high road in his response and did once again earlier this week at Gatorade Athlete of the Year Awards.
“Magic is one of the greatest of all time,” Russell said. “For him to say something like that, for me, is still an honor. Whatever criticism he has for me, I’m going to take it and make the best of it. I don’t look at it as a negative.”
Magic's comments put Russell in a precarious position, but he has taken the recommended approach to the situation. He sees the Hall of Famer's criticism as something that can help him work harder to improve himself, both on and off the court with the Brooklyn Nets.
Throughout his first two years in the league, there were numerous reports that suggested that the organization had some internal concerns with his maturity level and work ethic. These eventually became contributing factors to the new regime, led by Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka, deciding to move on from him.
That said, Russell has a prime opportunity to become the face of the franchise with the Nets while proving he can fulfill the potential that the Lakers previously hoped he'd reach in Los Angeles.
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