
D’Angelo Russell will return to Crypto.com Arena tonight for the first time since being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets. The matchup marks a significant moment for the former Lakers guard, who will face his old team under the spotlight.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his expectations for Russell’s performance, emphasizing the guard’s competitive nature. “I expect him to come out and try to have a great game. He does not have a lack of competitiveness, takes a lot of pride in who he is as a player. I expect him to try to go at us tomorrow,” Redick said.
Russell has played four games for Brooklyn since the trade, averaging 12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 22.3 minutes per contest. He has quickly become a key playmaker for the Nets as they navigate a rebuilding season.
The Lakers, now 21-17 and sixth in the Western Conference, are coming off a home win against the Miami Heat. Los Angeles has gone 5-5 over the last ten games as they aim to maintain their playoff positioning.
The Nets, on the other hand, hold a 14-27 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference. Despite Russell’s contributions, the team has struggled recently, dropping eight of their last ten games.
Russell’s return to face the Lakers and his former teammates, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, adds another layer of excitement to the contest.
The game tips off tonight at 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena, with the Lakers looking to build momentum and the Nets seeking to reverse their recent struggles.