Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers surprised most by acquiring Brook Lopez and the No. 27 overall pick (Kyle Kuzma) for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov. Shortly after, President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka selected Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick and established him as the team's point guard of the future.
After just two seasons with the Lakers, many felt the team was giving up too early on Russell. On WFAN with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts, he was asked if he got a ‘fair deal' in Los Angeles according to Anthony Puccio of Nets Daily:
“It’s business, man. That’s how I got to look at it. A lot of things happen in this league and you don’t agree with it or however you may feel about it and at the end of the day realize it’s business.”
As Russell enters another rebuilding situation, he is excited about the new opportunity:
“I was excited. I was excited to get a new opportunity to start over, but it definitely caught me off guard. You see guys get traded you never think it would have to be you until it does. New step for me.”
During Russell's time in Los Angeles, he faced numerous challenges. In his rookie season, the point guard was part of Kobe Bryant's farewell tour and then-head coach Byron Scott's dog house. As for this past season, Russell played in different roles for head coach Luke Walton.
With the Nets acquiring young prospects, Russell will have an opportunity to play consistent minutes. Time will tell if the Lakers gave up early on the former second overall pick.
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