Russell opens up about staying with the Lakers.

D’Angelo Russell (193 cm, G) was drafted in the 2015-2016 NBA Draft. He headed to the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the first round, but didn’t make much of an impact with the Lakers. Despite high expectations, he only averaged 14.3 points, four assists, and 3.5 rebounds over two seasons.

He then headed to the Brooklyn Nets for the 2017-2018 season. Russell blossomed in Brooklyn. He was named an All-Star and increased his value considerably. He then moved on to the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves before returning to the Lakers in the middle of this season.

Since returning to the Lakers, Russell has played 17 games, averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds as the team’s handler. The team won 12 of those 17 games, and he seemed to fit right in. The Lakers, who were in the bottom half of the standings먹튀검증, made the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.

However, Russell struggled a bit in the playoffs. In 16 games, he only had two games with more than 20 points. In the playoffs, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds.

He struggled even more in the Conference Finals. He averaged just 6.2 points in four games. Russell’s slump proved fatal, and the Lakers ended up dropping all four games to end the season.

Despite his playoff struggles, Russell was happy in Los Angeles. “I made my debut with the Lakers,” Russell told ESPN. At the time, I was young and didn’t fit in with the team. Then I played for other teams and got to know the NBA life. This time I came back, I adapted to the team quickly and I’m very happy with my life with the Lakers.”

Meanwhile, after this season, Russell will be eligible for free agency. Although the Lakers fell short in the playoffs, he was a big part of their second-half surge. Will Russell get his wish and stay with the Lakers next season?