The D’Angelo Russell saga in Los Angeles has come to an end—again—and no one seemed happier about it than former Laker Nick Young. Upon hearing that Russell was traded by the Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets, Young took to social media with a blunt message: “Stay out of L.A.”
The Bad Blood: A Betrayal That Never Faded
Young’s disdain for Russell dates back to their first stint as teammates during the tumultuous 2015-16 Lakers season. The now-infamous incident unfolded when a rookie Russell secretly recorded Young admitting to infidelity in a private conversation.
The video, leaked on Snapchat, ultimately led to the end of Young’s engagement to Iggy Azalea and caused serious locker-room rifts. Russell’s actions left him alienated from the Lakers, and the team moved him to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017—a decision former Lakers executive Magic Johnson later confirmed was influenced by the controversy.
Fast forward to 2023, Russell returned to the Lakers in a trade but never quite clicked with fans or the organization during his second stint.
Lakers Fans Join in the Celebration
Young wasn’t the only one glad to see Russell leave. Lakers fans flooded social media with reactions, many referencing his inconsistent play and defensive struggles. Russell’s poor shooting, particularly his final shot as a Laker—a clunker off the backboard—became a symbol of his erratic performances.
Russell’s numbers didn’t help his case. Averaging a career-low 12.4 points per game on 33.3% shooting from three, he struggled to maintain his role in the rotation. Head coach JJ Redick benched Russell in favor of Max Christie, further signaling the team’s declining faith in him.
What’s Next for Russell?
The Brooklyn Nets, ironically where Russell revived his career after his first Lakers departure, now hold the guard’s contract. It remains unclear if the Nets will keep him or explore a buyout of the final year of his $18.6 million deal.
For Russell, this could be a critical moment to reignite his career or risk fading into the background. Meanwhile, Young and Lakers fans are ready to move forward, firmly closing the chapter on Russell’s time in Los Angeles.
The Lakers Look Ahead
For the Lakers, the trade opens up new possibilities as they continue to tweak their roster in pursuit of championship contention. While Russell’s departure may not solve all their issues, it certainly clears a path for younger talent like Christie and potential future acquisitions to shape the team’s future.
As for Nick Young, his stance is clear: D’Angelo Russell’s Los Angeles days are over, and that’s exactly how he wants it.