Dallas Mavericks guard D’Angelo Russell believes his best basketball is still ahead of him. Speaking on The Backyard Podcast, the 28-year-old said his body and mindset have reached a new level.
“My preparation is completely different,” Russell explained, via HoopsHype. “I still don’t feel— I mean, I feel like I’m in my prime. Like, I don’t feel old. I feel stronger. I feel wiser. I feel more careful. And that’s it.”
Russell joined Dallas in July on a two-year, $13 million contract after splitting the 2024–25 season between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. The move marked the third team change of his career in less than two years, but he sees the Mavericks as a fresh start.
His production dipped last season compared to previous years, averaging 12.4 points with the Lakers and 12.9 with Brooklyn. That was his lowest combined scoring average since his rookie campaign in 2015–16.
Despite those numbers, Russell, 29, emphasized that his improved preparation and maturity will translate into stronger performances in Dallas. He has averaged 17.3 points and 5.7 assists across 629 career regular-season games.
Russell’s career has been marked by highs and lows, from earning his lone All-Star selection in Brooklyn in 2019 to being traded multiple times since. He played pivotal stretches for Minnesota and the Lakers, but his role fluctuated as both franchises shifted direction.
His postseason track record includes 32 games, most recently with the Lakers in 2024, where he averaged 14.2 points across five contests. While consistency has been a challenge, he has shown the ability to deliver timely shooting and playmaking under pressure.
