While he was shooting free-throws on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets All-Star point guard D'Angelo Russell received “Thank you Magic” chants from the crowd.

The Nets fans are thanking Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, who traded Russell to the Nets in the summer of 2017.

Magic Johnson traded Russell because he wanted a better leader for the team at the point guard position. The Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

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Ball could turn out to be an All-Star player one day, but it's clear Magic and the Lakers gave up on D'Angelo Russell too quickly and the Nets are reaping the benefits of that.

This season, Russell is averaging 20.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. The lefty is shooting 43.6 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from beyond the arc and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line. He made his first All-Star team and has established himself as one of the best young players in the league.

It's been a tough season for Magic and the Lakers. Los Angeles is on the verge of missing the playoffs and the franchise wasn't able to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn is having a great season, with Russell leading the way.