D’Angelo Russell hasn’t escaped the spotlight, but it’s rarely been for the right reasons. Between his sloppy defense and playoff struggles in Los Angeles, his name has become an easy target for criticism.
Last season did little to quiet the noise. Russell averaged just 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game on 39.0% shooting from the field across his time with the Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. The drop in production only added to the perception that he was on the downside of his career.
Russell doesn’t see it that way though. Playing alongside elite talent in Dallas is a far cry from the rebuild in Brooklyn and the constant pressure he faced in Los Angeles. Russell now points to a new commitment in preparation and claims he’s in his prime.
“My preparation is completely different. 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.”
