D’Angelo Russell has responded to recent reports suggesting his interest in acquiring Lithuanian citizenship and playing for the country’s national basketball team.
The Los Angeles Lakers point guard took to Instagram, writing, “Let’s make it happen” in reaction to the buzz surrounding his potential involvement with Lithuania.
Reports indicate that Russell, whose partner Laura Ivaniukas has Lithuanian heritage, could seek to join Lithuania’s national team in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The idea of Russell playing for Lithuania has sparked widespread discussion, but there are hurdles to overcome before it becomes a reality.
Lithuanian citizenship laws are notably strict, with few exceptions allowing foreign athletes to obtain a passport. To gain citizenship, Russell would need to be granted an exception by the Lithuanian President.
This process is rarely used and requires significant merit or contributions to the country. Recently, President Gitanas Nauseda granted citizenship to figure skater Allison Reed, despite her previous requests being denied.
The Law on Citizenship stipulates that an individual must demonstrate “outstanding merits” to Lithuania or show integration into Lithuanian society to qualify for the exception.
This includes a requirement to communicate in Lithuanian, as well as a tangible connection to the country. While the rule has been sparingly applied, it does offer hope for athletes like Russell, who has a personal connection to Lithuania.
Lithuania’s basketball tradition is one of the strongest in Europe, and the Lithuanian Basketball Federation has typically been conservative when it comes to naturalizing foreign players.
However, the country has made exceptions in rare cases, such as for basketball player Ignas Brazdeikis. Brazdeikis, born in Lithuania but moved to the United States as a baby, was granted citizenship through the exception rule and is the only naturalized player on the Lithuanian basketball national team.
Russell’s connection to Lithuania, through his partner’s roots, could potentially aid in the citizenship process. If granted, this would allow him to represent the country in international competitions like the Olympics and FIBA tournaments.
The Lakers star’s desire to play for Lithuania adds another layer to the story, as it demonstrates the growing ties between international athletes and the global basketball community.
While it’s still unclear whether the Lithuanian government will grant Russell citizenship, the athlete’s enthusiasm is evident. His statement on Instagram, in response to the growing rumors, suggests that he is serious about the possibility of joining the national team.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, but Russell’s potential inclusion in future international tournaments would be a historic development.
Lithuania has long been a powerhouse in basketball, and adding an NBA star like Russell would only enhance the team’s reputation on the global stage.
