Traversing the tricky waters of the trade deadline is hard for players, but this season it was harder for D’Angelo Russell for various reasons. Leading up to the All-Star Break the  Los Angeles Lakers were at the receiving end of many harsh losses. While part of the blame was shifted to Head Coach Darvin Ham, many role players on the roster, especially Russell were at the receiving end of a lot of heat from Laker nation.

D’Angelo Russel trade memes were flooding the internet, and to add to that fire, the media speculation of the deadline was a horror show. However, the 28-year-old eventually remained with his team and wasn’t traded away.  Recently, the latest episode of ‘The Backyard Podcast’ saw the 2019 All-Star get candid about the turmoil before the trade deadline.

When asked about how he approaches the All-Star Weekend, D’Angelo Russel said, “Honestly, I think I’ve taken this time and gotten better over the years. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve taken that time and I was more efficient with it. Earlier in my career, I was always using All-Star to kind of rest and just do a bunch of nothing, going to attack the second half of the season, whatever it may be. Now it’s like we fight for something.”

Speaking about his trading scare, D’Angelo Russel noted, “I survived the trade deadline, so that was a weight off my shoulder. He further added, “It’s a lot of pressure. The memes are good, it’s all it has, it’s whatever. But for me to actually really be in this and to be my life and my profession and everything, I just tried to approach it just with a zen mentality.”

D’Angelo Russell also confessed,” I can’t control those things but also knowing that it is what’s going on and that’s what’s evolving around me so being present within it but uh also not letting my mind get taken over by it.” The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t fared well this season and stand overtaken by both old and new competitors. However, since the All-Star Weekend, the Lakers have been on a mini resurgence and D’Lo has had a lot to do with it.

How has D’Angelo Russell improved and turned things around for the Lakers?

This season D’Angelo Russell has been averaging 17.8 points, 6.2, and 2.9 rebounds a game this is consistent with his performances over the last seasons. While this is a far cry from his 2019 season where he averaged around 23.4 points a night it’s still dependable considering his role within the line-up. Since the deadline, however, Russell has put up 20.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 7 games.

This shows an upward trajectory, he will have to churn greater numbers and more decisive plays to increase his contribution. The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in a very tough spot and their postseason contention is doubtful. With Golden State, Dallas, and Sacramento lying very close to the Lakers, it is anyone’s gamble on which two of these teams will miss the playoffs. Will D’Angelo Russel be able to redeem himself and push the Lakers to the finals? Let us know in the comments.

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