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The Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week made the decision to trade guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets after just two seasons with the team.
During the introductory conference for their second overall pick in this year's draft, team president Magic Johnson made it quite clear what the new management thought of Russell.
Magic Johnson on D’Angelo Russell: "We want to thank him for what he did for us. But what I needed was a leader.” Full quote: pic.twitter.com/3FhPthOpN1
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 23, 2017
Although the 21-year-old displayed some improvement in his second campaign, there was some disappointment in the rate of development from Russell at this stage of his career. Los Angeles had high hopes of him possibly taking on the responsibility of being the next face of the franchise with Kobe Bryant now retired.
However, Russell struggled both on and off the court to show that he can not only handle it but also thrive with that massive role. There were constant questions about his maturity level and work ethic that plagued him throughout his brief stint in Los Angeles.
This new opportunity with the Nets could provide him an eye-opening moment to prove that he can become the face of a franchise. He will now have a chance to take up that role with a team looking to break through after a couple of disappointing seasons.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has already shifted their hopes to former UCLA guard Lonzo Ball fulfilling that role as the conductor of their uptempo offense and next face of the franchise. All in all, when it comes down to it the NBA is a business and Russell just didn't check off enough boxes for what the Lakers were looking for in a point guard.
