Aside from being one of the brightest stars in the league right now, Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell probably has the most amazing collection of tattoos in the NBA.
The 24-year-old Ohio State product entered the league with only a couple of tattoos at his disposal but re-emerged in the summer of 2017 covered with amazing black and white art.
NBA 2K fans likened Russell's drastic transformation to a My Player who went crazy on the VC (Virtual Currency) purchase.
All in all, Russell has 27 tattoos — each with its own unique story and meaning. Let’s take a closer look at each design, starting from his limbs to the upper part of his body.
Air Jordan 1 on left leg
Like the rest of the NBA population, D’Angelo Russell is a big fan of the Jordan line and probably owns multiple pairs in his shoe collection. He bared his love for the iconic shoes by having the original Air Jordan 1 inked on his left leg.
Scripture on left leg
Russell has yet to open up about the meaning behind this piece, but it seems to have come from possibly his favorite literature. NBA players love to have their life creed tattooed on them, and D’Angelo likely had this done with the same intention.
Muhammad Ali portrait on right leg
Located on D’Lo’s thigh is the likeness of the late boxing great Muhammad Ali. The Hall of Fame slugger certainly influenced a lot of athletes for his skills on the ring and bravery to take a stand on social issues. Russell got this tattoo shortly after Ali’s passing in 2016.
Female portrait on right leg
Below his Ali tattoo is another portrait that appears to be of some unknown female. The identity of the image remains unclear but it’s likely another role model who Russell looked up to growing up.
Roaring tiger on right knee
Lions and tigers are just some of the most popular tattoo designs out there, and D’Lo also has one portraying the feline beast. Covering his right knee is a tiger head, which symbolizes strength and confidence.
C.S. Lewis quote on chest
Plastered on D'Angelo Russell’s chest is a popular quote from British writer C.S. Lewis, which is surrounded by four stars. The writing reads:
“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are”.
Russell, of course, got a chance to be around with one of basketball’s most brilliant minds in the late Kobe Bryant. D’Lo was a rookie for the Lakers during Bryant’s final NBA season in 2015-16.
“Ice in my veins” in Chinese on right shoulder
Aside from a lengthy-phrase in cursive, there are four prominent Chinese symbols on Russell’s right shoulder. The Wolves guard, of course, is known for pointing at his wrist in celebration each time he drains a clutch bucket.
He also has a rose — which symbolizes love — around the same area.
Bob Marley portrait on right bicep
Much like how he honored Ali, D’Lo also paid tribute to iconic reggae singer Bob Marley by having his portrait immortalized on his body.
Checkered path and mouth on right bicep
Right below Russell’s right armpit is an image of what looks like a chessboard and a wide-open mouth. This piece certainly looks like its open for interpretation and only Russell can detail its significance.
Ghost faces on right arm
This is another of Russell’s hard to decipher tattoos, but it likely has something to do with overcoming ghosts from his past. Or, etc Ould simply mean that D’Lo just simply likes the design.
Footprint and ‘God Guide my Step’ on right forearm
Russell also follows his religious belief closely and has it inked on his right forearm as a reminder. The 24-year-old star has finally found his footing in the league and believes God is with him every step of the way.
Angry teapot and mask on right elbow
Russell does really fancy skull-like images and he has a pair of odd-looking ones tucked inside his right elbow.
Pyramid eye on right wrist
Riddled on Russell’s right wrist are more scriptures and the hashtag #Loading. However, the art that stands out the most o that area is the All-Seeing eye. The design is linked to Christianity and once again symbolizes Russell’s unwavering faith.
Jason Vorhees portrait on right arm
Turns D'Angelo Russell is also big on pop culture as he has an image of the iconic serial Killer Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th film franchise. The tattoo is located right beside his Bob Marley piece, which indeed makes one unlikely pairing.
Multiple stars and no. 230 on right forearm
Stars are another popular tattoo choice, and Russell has his fair share of those. The lefty guard has now reached All-star status in the NBA and it will be interesting to see if he makes that next leap to superstardom.
Yin and Yang tattoo and both wrists
The Chinese philosophy symbol perfectly captures the balance of good and evil in this world. It seems Russell has quite the fascination for Chinese characters considering he has multiple ones scattered across his body.
Ace of diamonds on left shoulder
The ace of diamonds is a sign of good luck and good fortune, which D’Lo aspires to continue having in his NBA career. The design is located close to his N:OW tattoo, which likely signifies an even deeper meaning.
N:OW on left shoulder
This right here is arguably Russell’s most famous tattoo and a big part of his DLoading persona. The clock-like text signifies that it’s Russell’s time to complete his transformation and fulfill his ceiling as a player. Interestingly enough, Russell elevated his game around the time he got this tattoo.
A couple of masks on left arm
The design supposedly stands for “smile now cry later”, a mantra which reminds Russell to live in the moment and worry about the consequences afterward.
Trophy with banner that reads ‘INTERSTATE’
Russell has been a consummate winner throughout his high school and brief college career and he commemorated it on his left bicep.
Young Scientist on left arm
This is another D'Lo tattoo open for interpretation. Perhaps Russell likes to think of himself as one?
‘John 8:31-32’ on right forearm
This passage from the Bible probably resonates with Russell the most. It reads: “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“Louisville” and pencil tattoo on right forearm
Russell was born and raised in Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, which he commemorated with a big tattoo. The pencil likely symbolizes the early education he had in the area.
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