For the first time since being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, D'Angelo Russell took on his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at Staples Center.

Prior to the game, Russell spoke with the media where he discussed a wide range of topics concerning his time with the Lakers. One of which he strangely stated that he patted himself on the back for getting through Kobe Bryant's farewell tour in his final season in the league, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

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The fact that he singled out Bryant's final season as being a hurdle didn't exactly seem like something that would be deemed as a huge challenge. If anything, it had brought more attention to the future Hall of Famer and his performance on each night, especially on the road.

To be fair, Russell did face his fair share of criticism last year concerning his maturity level and lack of consistent play on the floor. This had become the constant chatter around him in as he struggled to truly grasp onto a more significant role following the departure of Bryant.

Russell's brief time in Los Angeles did feature some bright spots for him as he did put together a few promising moments, but comments like this still raise some eyebrows.