As the NBA season approaches, Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is set to kick off the season against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Entering his 10th season, the 28-year-old veteran is eager to lead the revamped Lakers to victory in their season opener on Tuesday night.
A Familiar Face in the Lineup
Russell’s history with the Timberwolves is noteworthy; he spent parts of four seasons there and contributed to their playoff run in 2022. However, after being traded back to the Lakers mid-season during the 2022-23 campaign, he’s now focused solely on securing a win for his current team. This season, the Timberwolves are also embracing change, having traded their four-time All-Star big man, Karl-Anthony Towns.
In a recent one-on-one interview, Russell expressed his readiness to face his former teammates, including Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. He emphasized his competitive mindset, stating, “It’s straight war — we’re trying to get a win. The season starts and then the next game coming up as well. We’re in kill mode.”
Russell’s Game Plan
Entering his second full season with the Lakers, Russell is coming off a strong year, averaging 18.0 points per game with a career-high 41.5% shooting from three-point range. Despite his impressive statistics, he insists that personal achievements aren’t his focus this year; health is his primary objective. “I have no objectives for myself. I just want to be healthy for this season,” he explained.
The Lakers are looking to bounce back after their early exit in the first round of the NBA playoffs last season, just a year after reaching the Western Conference Finals. Russell’s optimism is palpable as he looks to contribute to the team’s success under new rookie head coach JJ Redick. He stated, “I like where we’re at with JJ and the coaching staff,” highlighting the fresh perspective Redick brings to the team.
Engaging with the Next Generation
Recently, Russell made an appearance at the Flight Club Invitational in Santa Monica, California, where he interacted with top-ranked high school basketball prospects, such as Alijah Arenas and Tajh Ariza. This engagement showcases Russell’s commitment to mentoring the next generation while promoting his podcast, The Backyard Pod.
As the Lakers gear up for their season opener, fans can look forward to a thrilling matchup against the Timberwolves. Stay tuned for updates on Russell and the team’s journey as they aim for a successful season! Follow along for all the latest news and highlights!
