D-Lo’s Wild NBA Journey: From Lakers to Nets and Back Again!
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D-Lo's NBA journey has been WILD -Drafted by Lakers as No. 2 pick WOW https://t.co/EYWpsDIoDH
-Traded to Nets
-Traded to Warriors
-Traded to TWolves
-Traded BACK to Lakers
-Traded BACK to Nets
—————–
D’Angelo Russell, often referred to as D-Lo, has had a remarkable and tumultuous journey in the NBA that has kept fans and analysts on their toes. Drafted as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft, Russell’s career began with high expectations. His time with the Lakers was marked by flashes of brilliance, but it was also riddled with challenges, ultimately leading to his trade just a couple of years into his tenure.
## Transition to the Brooklyn Nets
After his stint with the Lakers, Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June 2017. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. In Brooklyn, he found more opportunities to showcase his skills, becoming an All-Star in 2019. His time with the Nets allowed him to develop significantly, both as a player and a leader on the court. Russell’s ability to score, create plays, and manage games made him a key player for the franchise during his time in New York.
## A Short-Lived Stay in Golden State
Following his success in Brooklyn, Russell was traded to the Golden State Warriors in July 2019 as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Kevin Durant. Though his time with the Warriors was brief, it was an experience that allowed him to play alongside some of the best talents in the league, including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Despite being part of a championship-contending team, Russell’s role was somewhat limited, leading to another trade soon after.
## Minnesota Timberwolves
In February 2020, D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This move reunited him with his former college teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns. In Minnesota, Russell continued to develop his game, becoming a focal point of the Timberwolves’ offense. His playmaking ability and scoring prowess made him a valuable asset for the team, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
## Full Circle: Return to the Los Angeles Lakers
In a surprising turn of events, D’Angelo Russell found himself back with the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023. This return marked a full-circle moment in his career, allowing him to bring his experience and growth back to the franchise that originally drafted him. His second stint with the Lakers has been characterized by significant contributions on the court, helping the team in its quest for success.
## Another Trade to Brooklyn
Most recently, Russell was traded back to the Brooklyn Nets, completing a remarkable cycle of trades throughout his career. This latest move has sparked excitement among fans, as they anticipate how he will fit into the Nets’ current lineup and what impact he will have moving forward.
In summary, D’Angelo Russell’s NBA journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From being the second overall pick to experiencing multiple trades across various teams, he has navigated the challenges of professional basketball. His ability to evolve as a player while contributing to different franchises showcases his talent and determination. As he embarks on this latest chapter with the Nets, fans are eager to see what the future holds for D-Lo in the NBA.
D-Lo’s NBA journey has been WILD
-Drafted by Lakers as No. 2 pick
-Traded to Nets
-Traded to Warriors
-Traded to TWolves
-Traded BACK to Lakers
-Traded BACK to NetsWOW pic.twitter.com/EYWpsDIoDH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2024
D-Lo’s NBA Journey Has Been WILD
If you follow the NBA, you’ve probably heard of D’Angelo Russell, affectionately known as D-Lo. His journey through the league has been nothing short of captivating. From being the No. 2 pick in the draft to a whirlwind of trades, D-Lo’s career is a rollercoaster ride that has kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a closer look at his incredible journey and the events that shaped his NBA career.
Drafted by Lakers as No. 2 Pick
D’Angelo Russell’s career began with high expectations. In the 2015 NBA Draft, he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. This moment was monumental for D-Lo, as he was stepping into one of the league’s most storied franchises, a team with a rich history and a passionate fan base. His skill set, including exceptional passing ability and a smooth shooting stroke, made him a standout prospect. Fans and analysts alike were excited to see how he would develop in the purple and gold.
However, the initial excitement was coupled with pressure. D’Angelo was expected to fill the shoes of the legendary Kobe Bryant, which is no small feat. Early on, he showed flashes of brilliance but also faced challenges adapting to the NBA’s intense competition. His rookie season had its ups and downs, but he managed to average 13.2 points and 3.3 assists per game, showcasing his potential.
Traded to Nets
After two seasons with the Lakers, D-Lo found himself in a surprising position: he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June 2017. This was a pivotal moment in his career. The trade came as a shock to many, but it opened a new chapter for Russell. With the Nets, he had the opportunity to step into a more prominent role and demonstrate his skills as a primary ball handler.
In Brooklyn, D’Angelo flourished. He became an All-Star in 2019, averaging 21.1 points and 7 assists per game. His time with the Nets allowed him to showcase his growth and maturity as a player. Fans appreciated his ability to score and create, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Russell’s resurgence in Brooklyn proved that he was more than just a draft pick; he was a legitimate star in the making.
Traded to Warriors
Just when it seemed like D-Lo had found his rhythm, another trade sent him packing. In July 2019, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors as part of the deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Nets. Joining a team with a championship pedigree and superstars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson was an exciting opportunity for Russell. It was a chance to compete for a title and learn from some of the best in the game.
However, his time with the Warriors was short-lived. Due to injuries and the Warriors’ struggles during that season, D’Angelo didn’t have the impact many expected. He averaged 23.0 points per game, but the Warriors were not the same team that had dominated the league in previous seasons. Ultimately, the franchise decided to move in a different direction, leading to yet another trade.
Traded to TWolves
In February 2020, D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking yet another shift in his career. This trade reunited him with former Ohio State teammate and close friend Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves were in rebuilding mode, and they saw Russell as a key piece in their plans for the future.
In Minnesota, D-Lo continued to develop his game, averaging 19.0 points and 6.7 assists per game. His chemistry with Towns was evident, and together they formed an exciting duo. However, the Timberwolves struggled to find consistent success, and Russell’s time in Minnesota was marked by both personal growth and team challenges.
Traded BACK to Lakers
Just when you thought the drama was over, D’Angelo Russell found himself back where it all started. In February 2023, he was traded back to the Los Angeles Lakers. This reunion was a full-circle moment for D-Lo, as he returned to the franchise that drafted him. The Lakers were in need of a playmaker, and Russell was eager to prove that he had matured since his first stint with the team.
His return to the Lakers was met with mixed emotions from fans. Some were excited to see him back, while others questioned whether he could live up to the expectations that come with wearing the iconic Lakers jersey again. Nevertheless, D-Lo embraced the challenge, aiming to help the team make a deep playoff run.
Traded BACK to Nets
In a twist that left many fans in disbelief, D’Angelo Russell was traded back to the Brooklyn Nets in December 2024. This marked the fifth trade in his career and brought him back to a familiar environment. His return to the Nets was filled with anticipation as both fans and analysts wondered how he would fit into the team’s current structure.
D-Lo’s journey through the NBA has been a testament to resilience and adaptability. From being drafted by the Lakers to his trades to the Nets, Warriors, Timberwolves, and back to the Lakers and Nets, his career has been anything but ordinary. Each step of the way, he has faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and evolved as a player.
As he continues to navigate his career, D’Angelo Russell’s journey serves as a reminder that the path to success in the NBA is rarely a straight line. With each trade, he has gained valuable experience, and fans can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for D-Lo in his ever-evolving NBA story. Keep an eye on him—who knows where he’ll land next!
For more details on D’Angelo Russell’s incredible journey, check out the original tweet by [Bleacher Report](https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1873421946110750779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).