The NBA trade deadline day has delivered some landscape-changing moves. The Los Angeles Lakers played their part as well by adding former Lakers star, D’Angelo Russell to the roster. While LA fans were glad to see polarizing star Russell Westbrook depart, the addition of another Russell increased their hopes. LeBron James had been very vocal about the Lakers needing help and was left disappointed after the Lakers failed to acquire Kyrie Irving. The addition of a former All-Star will ease his worries. However, DLo’s tweet after hearing the news ignited the NBA world.

Just a day after James made history, the Lakers acquired Russell and Malik Beasley via a three-team trade that saw Westbrook join the Utah Jazz. In need of more scoring, it is seen as a promising move and the Lakers will be hoping to make a final push for the Playoffs. Russell was quick to tweet a Muhammad Ali picture after the trade was announced.

Fans bash D’Angelo Russell for Muhammad Ali picture

Russell has always been inspired by the great Muhammad Ali. The 26-year-old shared a picture of Ali implying Ali’s iconic “I’ll show you how great I am” speech. DLo returns to the Lakers almost six years after getting traded due to unprofessional behavior. Fans were quick to reply to Russell for equating his move to the great Ali.

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After leaving the Lakers in 2017, Russell improved his game and became an All-Star in 2019. However, he was used as a trading piece by the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Kevin Durant. He was traded again a year later to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he has spent the last 3 years. The Lakers will be hopeful of a changed and improved Russell this time around.

LeBron James and the Lakers will be hoping Russell improves the team instantly

The Lakers have been drifting away from the playoff race due to their inconsistent performances. They currently sit in the 13th spot with a 25-30 record. However, they are just 2 games behind the 10th-placed Jazz and 4 games behind the Dallas Mavericks, who occupy the final automatic qualification spot. Despite LeBron James’ consistent play, the Lakers have been a mess this season.

However, with the additions of Russell and Beasley, they will be hoping to move up the standings and seal a playoff spot. With the Western conference getting tougher due to the arrival of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to Phoenix and Dallas, respectively, the Lakers will be hoping to have a fully healthy roster for their playoff push.

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What are your thoughts on the Lakers acquiring former star D’Angelo Russell? Does that make them contenders? Let us know in the comments.