D’Angelo Russell has ultimately spent five seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
And both times, he has moved from the Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets.
Speaking with Wy Network, Russell talked about the difference between the Lakers and Nets and made it seem like being in Brooklyn was a much better situation.
“I came from the Lakers where the structure is not the same, and then I go to Brooklyn where it’s all structure and it taught me how to be a professional,” Russell said, via NBACentral.
“I came from the Lakers where the structure is not the same, and then I go to Brooklyn where it’s all structure and it taught me how to be a professional.” 👀
– D’Angelo Russell
(🎥 @wynetwork )
pic.twitter.com/qz7AKacgWH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 6, 2025
It’s somewhat surprising to hear Russell say such things about the Lakers, considering a lot of people view them as one of the most structured franchises in the league.
However, that wasn’t Russell’s experience.
It is important to note that the first time he came to Los Angeles, he was a young man just starting his career, and the Lakers were in a tough spot, attempting to figure out their identity and move forward.
Years later, he returned to LA after spending seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
And, once again, the Lakers were in flux and shifting around a lot.
It looked like Russell could have been a vital part of the team, but then he had some bad performances, and rumors began to pop up about his future.
Eventually, he was shipped off to the Nets again, and no one was surprised.
He was happier there, or so it seemed, but he was also ready to move on after a few months.
Now he will play his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, filling the void left by Kyrie Irving.
Will he find structure with that team, which is also attempting to turn a page and create a new identity?
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