D'Angelo Russell has been amazing for the Minnesota Timberwolves since he arrived in February following a blockbuster trade with the Golden State Warriors. The league suspension actually cut short what was looking like a great partnership between himself and Wolves superstar Karl-Anthony Towns. One thing is clear, though: Russell has gone quite a long way from his time as a 19/20-year-old with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a recent interview with Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the 6-foot-4 point guard opened up about his rather forgettable stint with L.A. and admitted who he believes is to blame for the same.

“I didn’t know how to be a professional and the guidance wasn’t there also,” Russell claimed. “I don’t blame anybody. I blame myself. It was really a blur to me, just in the sense that the things that I’ve been through ever since then.”

Article Continues Below

D'Angelo Russell entered the league in 2015 as the second pick of the draft, coming just behind his good buddy Towns. He was selected by one of the most popular teams in the league, and at that point, Russell felt an aura of invincibility — and it showed.

According to Russell, however, he only had himself to blame for the failed ordeal. Then again, he did say that he lacked the necessary guidance, perhaps taking a veiled shot at the veterans and the coaching staff. Russell did play with the late, great Kobe Bryant in his rookie year, so we can't help but wonder if Russell feels that the Lakers legend was not able to provide him with enough support and guidance early on.