The Los Angeles Lakers are aiming to make the playoffs. On Friday, the Lakers faced the difficult task of slowing Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the NBA’s best players.
The Lakers selected D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. The point guard’s time in Los Angeles appeared to be over when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 offseason. However, after playing for several other NBA teams, Russell was traded back to the Lakers in 2023.
Russell played well throughout the 2023-24 season, but on Friday night he made the most of his second stint in the purple and gold.
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Los Angeles Lakers player D’Angelo Russell reacts as he takes a shot during the first half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena on March 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Sean M. Huffey/Getty Images)
Russell stepped up when it mattered most, scoring 21 of his season-high 44 points in the fourth quarter and hitting the go-ahead jumper with 5.9 seconds left to lead the Lakers to a 123-122 victory over the Bucks.
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Russell’s clutch performance was especially important because four-time NBA champion LeBron James missed the game to rest his sore left ankle. James limped off the court with four minutes left in the Lakers’ loss to Sacramento on Wednesday night. His ankle injury recently flared up and has plagued the NBA’s all-time leading scorer throughout his 21st season.
After the game, Russell took a moment to reflect on some of the ups and downs he faced during his career as a professional basketball player.
Los Angeles Lakers No. 1 D’Angelo Russell celebrates after a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena on March 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
The 28-year-old suggested that “being publicly humiliated” simply makes him better.
“I’ve always felt like with my skill and talent, I could do something,” Russell said, via the Los Angeles Times. “When you get hot, it gets even more exciting during the game.” “Off the floor, of course, you know what I’ve been through. The public humiliation just shaped me into the murderer you see today. And, uh, I… I’m never lacking in confidence. I’m not afraid of confrontation. I want it.” All smoke. ”
Los Angeles Lakers #1 D’Angelo Russell scores the winning goal in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Russell is averaging 18.1 points per game and 6.2 assists per game this season.
“D-Low stepped up and won the game, obviously Spence playing defense on the last possession,” Russell’s teammate Austin Reeves said. “When I saw D-Lo take over the game, I kept telling him during the timeout, ‘Take us home.'”
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Russell’s name was linked to multiple trade rumors ahead of last month’s NBA trade deadline. The Lakers ultimately decided to keep their point guard, and that decision appears to be paying off.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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