After earning an All-Star appearance and leading his Brooklyn Nets to the Eastern Conference Playoffs, D’Angelo Russell is on the market as a restricted free agent this summer. The former Los Angeles Lakers guard is only 24 years old and just averaged 21 points and seven assists in 81 regular-season games last year. He is a player that fans have speculated could find a formidable fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis next season in Los Angeles–two potential teammates that Russell has previously included on his all-time starting five list.
Four years ago, just prior to embarking on his rookie season in the Association, Russell was asked which players he’d most like to play with among every baller in NBA history. While being forced to include himself in the hypothetical lineup, D’Angelo named Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
There could be many teams vying for the services of Russell in the coming weeks. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to D’Angelo along with the Nets, Lakers and others. Russell spent his first two seasons in the league in Los Angeles where he averaged 14 points and four assists before being traded to Brooklyn in 2017.
Since that time, Russell has blossomed into one of the best young guards in the NBA while also knocking down a career-high 2.9 three-pointers per night this past season. Even after a failed first term in L.A., a return at this point in his career alongside LeBron and AD just might play out into a dream scenario for not only Russell but also Lakers fans all over the globe.
