According to a report by Ashish Mathur of the Dallas Hoops Journal, teammates are reportedly irritated by Russell’s lack of commitment in practice and lackadaisical effort on defense during games.

“He [D’Angelo Russell] signed with the Mavericks in the offseason and has already rubbed several teammates the wrong way with his approach in practice and lackadaisical effort on defense,” Mathur reported.

Amid this bad news for the Mavericks, reports indicate that major changes are imminent. The team are reportedly exploring trade options involving Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and Russell himself, as reporteded by Mathur.

Russell was brought to the team in the offseason to provide ball-handling depth and off-ball spacing alongside rookie Cooper Flagg, primarily to mitigate the absence of Kyrie Irving. However, his performance has been well below expectations. Through 16 games (13 off the bench), he averages 10.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 rebounds on 39.9% field goal and 25.6% three-point shooting in 22.2 minutes.

Russell’s lack of defense exposed by Mike Brown

Russell’s lack of defensive effort was publicly exposed by New York Knicks coach Mike Brown during the Mavericks’ recent 111-113 loss at the American Airlines Center—a clip that quickly went viral.

During a timeout, Brown was speaking to his players when cameras caught the coach explicitly instructing his team to continue targeting Russell on offense. “Gotta string some stops together…Box out…And again, we gotta keep finding DLo,” Brown instructed his players.

The Knicks coach was clearly referencing Russell, and by saying “keep finding,” he was urging his team to continue challenging the guard in attack, signaling that his defense was one of the weakest links in the game.

The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell this offseason. Russell gives Dallas a dependable guard capable of leading the backcourt while Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the first couple of months recovering from ACL surgery. He is versatile enough to start or come off the bench.

Despite a heavily criticized finish with the Lakers, the 29-year-old believes he is still in the prime of his career. “I feel like I’m in my prime,” Russell said via The Backyard Podcast w/ D’Angelo Russell. “I don’t feel old. I feel stronger, I feel wiser. I feel more careful.”

That confidence could generate a lot of excitement among Mavericks fans, seeing a player who has been something of an unknown arrive with such self-assurance. Even more promising is the existing chemistry with a former teammate like Anthony Davis, who is expected to be the team’s primary leader with Irving sidelined.

Russell’s season averages

During the 2024-25 season, Russell averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds across 58 games with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Earlier in his career, he averaged over 20 points and six or seven assists per game, demonstrating his potential at the highest level.

Fans could see that prime form return, especially with Davis providing a leading presence on the floor and Klay Thompson offering another reliable veteran option alongside Russell. Young talents PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford are all expected to make pivotal contributions.

What could elevate Russell further

Russell could benefit from the spotlight shifting toward rookie Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis, freeing him from constant pressure and allowing him to thrive. Unlike his Lakers tenure, when he was expected to carry the team through challenging stretches, Russell may find a more balanced role with the Mavericks.

D’Angelo Russell is expected to do everything he can to help the Mavericks establish themselves as a legitimate postseason contender during the 2025-26 NBA season. His experience, leadership, and renewed confidence could be critical to Dallas’ success.

The Mavericks were always expected to pursue a point guard this offseason, and they appear poised to secure one quickly. NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that the Mavericks are set to sign D’Angelo Russell to a two-year contract.

“A two-year deal from Dallas approaching the $12 million range is widely expected for D’Angelo Russell … largely because the whole league knows that the Mavericks can only offer the former All-Star guard a two-year pact that starts at the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception,” Fischer explained.

While Russell can be a frustrating player due to his inconsistency, he represents a bargain at roughly $6 million per year. The 29-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game last season between the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.

Russell adds another offensive weapon for the Mavericks as they try to cover the gap left by Kyrie Irving, who is currently sidelined with a torn ACL. Optimism remains that Irving will return by January 2026. Although Russell doesn’t perfectly align with General Manager Nico Harrison’s defensive philosophy—“defense wins championships”—he is considered a solid option.

In addition to his scoring ability, Russell has valuable experience as a reserve and is expected to perform well coming off the bench once Irving recovers. The Mavericks also hope to retain Dante Exum as a backup point guard alongside Russell.

Reports of NBA insider Anthony Irwin, suggest that the Mavericks have not given up hope of creating roster space to re-sign Exum, even if they finalize the anticipated deal with the Brooklyn free agent.

“Russell would be the Mavericks’ 15th and final standard contract once he signs, but the team is expected to explore trade options involving 2023 first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The goal is to find a team willing to absorb Prosper’s contract, thereby opening a roster spot to bring back Exum and bolster backcourt depth.”

“I will say Jokic is going to win MVP,” Russell said during a recent appearance on The Backyard Podcast. “He should be going on like his fifth MVP right now. And it is what it is. That’s where I’m standing.”

The Nets guard was quick to clarify that he has deep respect for what Gilgeous-Alexander accomplished this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder: “We’re going to hold on all of that, because Shai… flowers, brother, I ain’t taking nothing from you.”

Still, D-Lo admitted that Jokic’s level of play is simply too dominant to ignore when it comes to the MVP conversation. “Like, we can’t just keep looking over dude… I wish I would say it louder so y’all could hear me… He’s unbelievable,” said Russell.

Who D’Angelo Russell favors between Denver and Clippers

During the same podcast appearance, D’Angelo Russell was asked about the playoff matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. At first, the guard hesitated and took a moment before answering: “Kawhi Leonard… I think everybody should be worried about the Clippers.”

The Brooklyn player then explained his reasoning. “I think coaching matters and Denver don’t really have that,” he said, referring to the surprising departure of Michael Malone just over a week ago. “They have that problem in that situation. I think that can either be the reason they win too, they just have that raw feeling just out there too.”

Summing up his final thoughts on the Nuggets vs. Clippers series, Russell concluded: “Jokic is the best player in the world, so I can’t bet against him. But if Kawhi and James (Harden) do what they’ve been doing all season, there’s no way they lose. So… I’m going Clippers, bro.”

When is Game 3 between Denver and Clippers?

The series between the Nuggets and the Clippers is tied 1–1 after the first two games at Ball Arena. Now, the action shifts to Intuit Dome for Games 3 and 4, which will be played Thursday night and Saturday afternoon in Inglewood.

“I was a little traumatized there,” Russell said in an interview with HoopsHype, reflecting on his experience with the Lakers. This sentiment is understandable, considering that he was traded to Brooklyn in both of his stints with Los Angeles. However, the previous time, in 2017, occurred during the offseason, while the more recent move happened in the middle of the campaign.

That challenging experience has led Russell to appreciate his current situation with the Nets. “It’s great. I would never take it for granted, coming from where I came from,” he acknowledged. “To be here and get the opportunity to just be me, where there’s familiarity as well, is just icing on the cake.”

D’Angelo also discussed the importance of Brooklyn’s team-oriented culture. “I’ve been on so many different teams where the team’s not a priority,” he said. “To be here, the team is everything from every aspect you can think of. It’s team-oriented. As a team, we win. As a team, we lose. To be engraved into that and just fit in is a good feeling.”

Russell’s Los Angeles experience

D’Angelo Russell’s second and most recent stint with the Los Angeles Lakers was far from ideal. He arrived in the middle of the 2022-23 season, traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and during his early days with the Lakers, he posted solid performances, averaging 17.4 and 18.0 points per game in his first two campaigns.

However, as time progressed, things did not go well for Russell, nor for the Lakers. When he left for Brooklyn, he was averaging a career-low 12.4 points per game, and the Lakers were struggling as well.

Since Russell’s departure, the Lakers have significantly improved, climbing in the Western Conference standings and positioning themselves as serious title contenders. While the arrival of Luka Doncic has been a key factor in that resurgence, coach JJ Redick recently credited the trade that included Russell, emphasizing that Dorian Finney-Smith has played a crucial role in the team’s improvement: “He’s brought a level of toughness. The spirit to want to defend. Guys have responded well to who he is as a player, a teammate.”

Russell understands his place with the Nets

In the same interview with HoopsHype, D’Angelo Russell reflected on his current role in the NBA and within the Nets. “I’m at the point in my career where I’m not going out and scoring 25 points every night and wowing with numbers,” he acknowledged. “It’s a point where I’m trying to gravitate toward doing it the right way, and how I can contribute to winning is my priority.”

Despite Russell’s commendable effort in the game, the Nets have struggled to find consistent success this season. Their game plan has often been outmatched by other teams, exacerbated by the absence of key players traded last year.

Among those acquired in the trades was Russell, who has emerged as a standout performer for the Nets. However, he shared candid thoughts about his transition to Brooklyn after his stint in Los Angeles. “I’ll never take being able to play free basketball like this for granted again,” Russell said.

He elaborated further, adding: “This is a style and a play that — obviously we’ve got the best performance team as well. They keep guys fresh, they keep guys in shape, and they keep them prepared for the minutes and the load they’re about to play. For me, my body is not prepared for this. I didn’t prepare for this all season, all summer, so it’s an adjustment for me as well.“

Nets’ head coach reflects on the match and key players

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez shared his thoughts following the game, addressing the team’s performance and the players’ energy on the court. “From my experience in the NBA, players love playing on national TV. For me, it means longer timeouts and a few more interviews, but for the players, it’s a different experience,” Fernandez explained.

Fernandez highlighted Nic Claxton’s contribution, praising his impact during the game. “I liked his energy. He was vocal, engaged the whole game, and that’s the Nic Claxton I want. If he continues to bring that level of intensity, he’ll be a key factor in helping us win. The good thing is he has high standards for himself, and I love that,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez also commented on his decision-making regarding player rotations. “I had Nic in a good rhythm out there—he was playing well and getting stops—so I decided to keep him in. At the same time, I’m very happy with what Day’Ron [Sharpe] contributed,” he added.

Nets face pivotal stretch in regular season

As the Nets navigate a challenging regular season, their upcoming games will be critical in keeping their playoff hopes alive. However, they face a tough schedule against competitive teams also vying for postseason positioning.

Upcoming Nets Fixtures (January):

• vs. Phoenix Suns – January 22
• vs. Miami Heat – January 25
• vs. Sacramento Kings – January 27
• vs. Charlotte Hornets – January 29

Reflecting on D’Angelo Russell’s missed game-winner for the Nets, Reaves admitted, “Man, it looked good. Not good for us, but the ball looked good in the air. I’ve seen him make that shot a million times. . .he played a hell of a game.”

The mutual respect between the two players was evident as they shared a warm embrace at mid-court after the game. Reaves later opened up about the significant role Russell has played in his development as a Laker.

“There’s so many ups and downs in this league. The scrutiny is high being a Laker, so the more you can just stay connected to the group and connected with each other, is the most important thing to me,” Reaves said. “D’Lo really helped me with that when he got here. With him being through that, being drafted here, being a young player, he’s seen everything that I had been through or was going through.”

Reaves credited Russell with teaching him how to tune out the noise and focus on the team. “When he got here, he really taught me how to—not that the noise was affecting me—but to really just push that aside and worry about the betterment of the team, how I can continue to grow and be better,” Reaves explained. “I feel like that’s the main thing, is just really continuing to grow as a leader.”

Reaves’ impact on the Lakers

Reaves had a career-high 38 points in the win over the Nets, continuing to prove his value to the team. He’s currently averaging 18.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 44.3% from the field, 36.7% from beyond the arc, and 82.9% from the free-throw line.

His emergence as a key contributor has cemented him as the Lakers’ second option behind superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As the team’s full-time starting guard, Reaves has elevated his game, showcasing increased offensive production and adjusting to his expanded role as a primary ball-handler and playmaker.

While the adjustment has had its challenges, Reaves has shown flashes of brilliance, indicating his potential as a cornerstone for the Lakers’ future. With his ability to perform under pressure and his growing leadership qualities, he’s become an integral part of the Lakers’ success this season.

Reflecting on his journey, Russell shared candid thoughts about his career and the emotional complexities surrounding his time in Los Angeles. “Just a blur,” he said. “I think coming, I was locked in to what I had to achieve personally to be there. To not be there now, obviously it’s something that I’m trying to get over and just move past. But that is a place that I’ve been there twice, there’s a home for me there. For myself, I feel like as a part of my career it’s something that you can’t really take back. So I appreciate it, I just look forward to moving on.”

Grateful for his time with the Lakers, Russell emphasized that it is now part of his past as he focuses on new challenges with the Nets. His initial trade to Brooklyn in 2017 proved transformative, giving him the opportunity to flourish. During his first stint with the Nets, Russell earned his first All-Star selection in 2019, cementing his reputation as a leader and a skilled playmaker.

In 2025, Russell appears poised to make an impact once again. He has been a steady contributor for the Nets, showcasing growth as a dynamic scorer and facilitator. His ability to generate offense for both himself and his teammates has been a bright spot for Brooklyn this season.

In the recent matchup against his former team, the Lakers, Russell led the Nets statistically, delivering 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. His performance underscored his poise under pressure and his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead.

Can the Brooklyn Nets secure an NBA playoff spot this season?

The Brooklyn Nets’ chances of contending for a playoff berth in 2025 are slim, with the team sitting at 14-28 and 12th in the Eastern Conference as of mid-January. Offensive struggles have plagued the Nets. Injuries, particularly to Cam Thomas, have left the team without key contributors. Despite their challenges, players like Nic Claxton continue to offer strong defensive play.

Given their current situation and the competitive nature of the East, the Nets are unlikely to secure a playoff berth this season. However, if they want to contend for a spot they need to improve offensively by relying on Russell, who has shined for the team in the past.

Nets focus on maintaining financial flexibility and building for the future positions them to be more competitive in the coming years promises an improved draft going forward. With an eye on potential roster upgrades, Brooklyn’s strategy is focused on long-term success while remaining competitive this season.

“I expect him to come out and try to have a great game,” Redick said during a press conference. “He’s going to go against his old team. He’s going to be ready to play us and it’s going to be a fun one. So it’ll be fun to see D’Lo again.”

Having coached Russell during their time together in Los Angeles, Redick is familiar with the guard’s mentality. “He does not have a lack of competitiveness. He takes a lot of pride in who he is as a player,” the coach continued. “I’m expecting him to try to go at us tomorrow.”

Despite Russell’s determination to prove himself against his former team, he faces a significant challenge. The Brooklyn Nets, sitting at a 14-27 record halfway through the 2024-25 season, have struggled to find consistency. Currently ranked 12th in the Eastern Conference, the Nets are far from playoff contention, making Russell’s individual performance even more critical as he seeks to ignite his new team.

Russell’s season struggles and the Lakers’ decision

The Lakers’ decision to trade Russell came after a series of underwhelming performances. Despite starting in the lineup, the 28-year-old quickly fell out of favor with Redick, eventually losing his place in the rotation.

In 29 games with Los Angeles, Russell averaged just 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game—numbers that fell short of expectations for a team with championship aspirations.

Russell’s rough start in Brooklyn

Russell’s stint with the Nets has not been much smoother. Since his arrival, Brooklyn has posted a 2-7 record, with Russell playing in just four of those games. In those four appearances, the Nets are 2-2, suggesting that while Russell has made a modest impact, his presence hasn’t been enough to turn the team’s fortunes around.

His individual stats in Brooklyn are nearly identical to those he posted in Los Angeles earlier this season: 12.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. However, he has shown improvement in one area—his assists, now averaging 8.3 per game, a noticeable uptick from his time with the Lakers.

As the Nets struggle to find their rhythm, Russell will look to make a statement against his former team, aiming to prove that the Lakers’ decision to trade him was a mistake.

“It’s just like getting traded at any point before that,” Russell admitted in an interview with the New York Post regarding the Lakers’ decision to part ways with him mid-season. “You’ve got to adjust. So, it’s been an adjustment for me—learning the players, learning the coaching staff, and learning Brooklyn’s new ways.”

This marks the second time in Russell’s career that the Lakers have traded him to Brooklyn, the first being in 2017, when he stayed until 2019. “A lot’s changed since I’ve been here, so I’m just trying to adjust and jump right in with these guys,” the 28-year-old point guard explained.

“It’s a good feeling, honestly, to go back somewhere you’re comfortable, somewhere you know the ins and outs a little bit, and see some familiar faces,” Russell continued, reflecting on his return to the Nets. “It kind of makes the process a little easier to adjust to, so I’m just grateful for that.”

Russell’s impact in Brooklyn

Russell had appeared in 29 of the Lakers‘ 32 games before the trade. In his Nets debut, he contributed 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 130-113 loss to the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Despite the loss, his performance highlighted his potential impact on the Nets, with Russell finishing as the second-highest scorer on the team, behind only Cameron Johnson‘s 24 points.

It’s also noteworthy that none of the ten players on the court with Russell had been part of the Nets during his first stint with the franchise, underscoring the need for him to adjust to a new roster.

Russell is adjusting to a new role

Reflecting on his debut, Russell expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to his new team. “I felt comfortable organizing the guys, getting guys and myself where we need to be to capitalize on the unit that was out there. It felt fun… I felt myself in positions that I was able to do myself and help the team at the same time,” he said.

With his first game behind him, Russell is focused on continuing his adjustment to the Brooklyn Nets. He’s eager to help the team succeed as they push toward securing a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. As he continues to settle in, the guard is determined to make a positive impact on the court and contribute to the Nets’ long-term goals.

In a video shared on social media, Dwight Howard expressed his disbelief over the trade. “D-Lo went to the Nets. What’s going on NBA? What’s going on Lakers?” he began, clearly questioning the decision. “They traded D-Lo for Finney-Smith?” he added, showing his disagreement with the Lakers’ choice.

Howard wasted no time in pointing the finger at LeBron James. “LeGM made the decision,” he said, cleverly combining James’ name with the initials for General Manager. “LeGM said it’s enough D-Lo. Let me be the GM. They just be doing anything.”

Howard’s comments are far from casual. He clearly believes that LeBron has an outsized influence on team decisions—so much so that he’s essentially taking on the role of the team’s general manager, determining which players should stay and which should go.

Dwight Howard’s insight

Beyond the debate over the trade’s validity and whether the new acquisitions will help the Lakers in the short term, Dwight Howard’s opinion carries weight when it comes to what happens inside the franchise. Over the course of his 18-year NBA career, Howard played for the Lakers during three separate stints.

His first tenure with the team was between 2012 and 2013, before he returned in 2019 and again in 2021. During his last two stints, Howard played alongside LeBron James, giving him a unique perspective on the daily workings of the team and firsthand insight into the superstar’s influence. If Howard is suggesting that LeBron has significant sway over team decisions, it’s likely because of what he witnessed up close during his time in Los Angeles.

The real test for the Lakers

As with any trade, the ultimate judgment will be made on the court. The Lakers’ upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night will be the first opportunity to see how Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton fit into the roster. Their performances will provide a clearer picture of whether the trade was the right move for the franchise.