Following the trade of D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, there has been much said about the former second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft.
Most of those rumblings haven't exactly been positive, with concern for his maturity level as well as a perceived lack of leadership skills. During a recent interview with Jared Greenberg of NBA TV, his new teammate Jeremy Lin spoke quite fondly of his relationship and dealing with Russell up to this point.
.@JLin7 speaks with @JaredSGreenberg as he watches @BrooklynNets & @Bucks at MGM Resorts #NBASummer League! pic.twitter.com/yebRFJN3A4
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 9, 2017
“I don't think we feel that there is anything against each other. We know we are going to play alongside each other for the majority of the time. We have worked out, we talked, and we texted. We hung out. He's a great guy. I know people have tried to say certain things about him. I haven't seen any of the negative stuff. He's been great. Awesome so far. I'm excited.”
The 21-year-old has essentially become a punching bag for critics after being dealt away. Lakers president Magic Johnson stated that the Lakers need a true leader at the point guard position while talking about D'Angelo. In response, Russell has continued to take the high road when asked about such comments.
This next chapter of his career provides him with an opportunity to show that he can become a face of a franchise and be the leader that the Lakers didn't believe he could become.
The presence of Lin should help him along the way, mentoring Russell's development both on and off the court.
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