D'Angelo Russell shares heartfelt reflection on relationship with Devin Booker: "There's not enough I can say about that dude"
LA Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is happy to have kept a solid relationship with longtime friend Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns.
'DLo' spoke about his friendship with Booker on Saturday ahead of the Lakers' preseason game against the Suns in Palm Desert, Califonia. He touched on how he values the relationship they have off the court more than what they do on it.
"There's not enough I can say about that dude," D'Angelo Russell shared. "Obviously his success in the NBA, but my relationship with him off the floor is something I value. Something I always learn from. Something I look forward to countering with."
"He's just a dope dude and lot of young players around me gravitate towards me once they get to meet up, but he is not gonna be an outgoing guy trying to will people in or out if you cross pass with him to show us what we know as a guy who I've known for a long time," he added.
Check out what Russell had to say below:
D'Angelo Russell and Devin Booker were on the same draft class back in 2015. However, they have been friends even before they embarked on their NBA journeys, dating back to camps when they were still high school stars.
Sunday's game against the Suns will be the second preseason game for the Lakers after the one against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, where they lost, 124-107. Russell played 21 minutes in the game and had 14 points, three assists, a steal and a block.
For its part, it will be Phoenix's first preseason game.
D'Angelo Russell grateful to Devin Booker for always having his back
D'Angelo Russell is grateful that basketball has led him to a longtime friendship with fellow NBA star Devin Booker, which has seen them having each other's back.
It again manifested last year when 'DLo' hosted a basketball camp in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. He sought the help of other league players, including Booker, who did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.
Russell spoke about the gesture, saying (via Basketball Forever):
"I mean, I don't cry a lot, but this is something that I cry about. Just having the support from guys that I've crossed paths with over the years and them supporting me. This is the biggest thing you can do for me by showing up to my camp."
It is a frendship that Booker also upholds in high regard, who said in the same report:
"[We've known each other] since the seventh or eighth grade. Camps, cap ball, we used to trade out our gear, helped each other out and always kept in contact. So it's a relationship that is going to be forever ... We have been going at it for a very long time."
Both D'Angelo Russell and Devin Booker are entering their 10th season in the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2015 rookie draft.