Watch: D'Angelo Russell spotted in new courtside look rooting for LeBron James & Team USA in Paris Olympics
LA Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell traveled to France on Sunday for Team USA's first Paris Olympic group-phase matchup against Serbia. Russell was spotted in the crowd sporting a new look as he ardently cheered on his Lakers superstar teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Team USA overpowered Serbia 110-84, improving to 1-0 in Group C. It was led by superstar forward Kevin Durant's game-high 23 points on a blistering 88.9% shooting off the bench. Meanwhile, James added 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, shooting 69.2% in what marked a dominant all-around outing for the Americans.
During the contest, a Japanese fan (@MRI_6H on X/Twitter) filmed a new-look Russell, donning a white sleeveless hoodie, glasses and blonde dreads, a couple of rows ahead of him. The one-time NBA All-Star stood up, raised his arms and yelled demonstratively as Davis converted an and-one finish at the rim.
The basket marked two of Davis' seven points, to go along with eight rebounds on 50.0% shooting.
James and Davis are looking to lead Team USA to its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the men's basketball tournament. James has been a part of two gold-medal-winning squads (2008 and 2012), while Davis has been a member of one (2012).
Following Sunday's blowout victory, the Americans are 6-0 this summer, including five exhibition wins. According to James, his team delivered its top performance against Serbia.
“That’s the best game we’ve played so far,” James said.
In Photo: Lakers D'Angelo Russell takes his vintage $115,000 Chevrolet for a spin
D'Angelo Russell supports LeBron James and Anthony Davis amid persistent trade rumors
D'Angelo Russell's trip to Paris to support LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Team USA comes amid continued reports of the Lakers looking to trade him.
Russell, who was dealt to LA at last year's trade deadline, has provided up-and-down offensive production during his second stint with the franchise. Meanwhile, he has been featured in the rumor mill for most of the past year.
Earlier this offseason, Russell opted into his $18.7 million player option for next season. Nevertheless, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Lakers are still shopping him despite their lack of reliable point guard depth.
"If you are the Lakers, and you are potentially doing a D-Lo trade at some point, as they have been shopping him and trying to move him since he opted in, it would be nice to have a player of Spencer Dinwiddie's caliber on your roster," Buha said Thursday on "Buha's Block."
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LA was expected to be active this summer after suffering a first-round playoff exit in this year's NBA playoffs. However, it has yet to add a player via trade or free agency. With limited trade assets at its disposal, most signs continue to point to a Russell trade.
It remains to be seen if Russell supporting James and Davis in the Olympics will impact his future with the Lakers. In the meantime, Russell appears to be enjoying his time in Paris.
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