Why was D'Angelo Russell traded by LA Lakers in 2017? Snapchat incident with Nick Young and Iggy Azalea explained
Former Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell will be returning to the LA Lakers after being involved in a three-team trade. As the guard returns to the team that drafted him, we take a look at why DLo was traded from the Lakers in the first place.
The trajectory of D'Angelo Russell's career as a Laker is certainly shocking. After being a high draft pick for the Purple and Gold, Russell was viewed as a future star for the team. Given his flashy style of play and iconic celebrations, Russell immediately became a fan favorite.
Unfortunately, things took a drastic turn in Russell's sophomore season. DLo was caught up in a rather sticky situation along with teammate Nick Young. A video of the two discussing Young's illicit sexual activities was somehow leaked online in 2016.
Young, who was engaged to rapper and recording artist Iggy Azalea at the time, suffered immense media backlash and also saw his wedding called off in the process.
Considering the damage Russell's actions caused, the Lakers were forced to take a call on how to proceed with the situation. Given the immaturity of his actions and the overall consequences, the Purple and Gold were forced to move DLo in the upcoming season.
Lakers president Magic Johnson highlighted the incident as a reason for him stepping down from all activities pertaining to the organization the following season.
.@magicjohnson explains in full the reason why he stepped down as the Lakers president. https://t.co/oats954tDP
With Russell moving to Brooklyn, the Lakers saw one of their brightest young players on the way out. Considering the reputation he has in the city, fans will hope that the guard can make amends this time around.
The trade was the best thing to happen to D'Angelo Russell
While the trade itself was born out of a rather conflicting and controversial situation, D'Angelo Russell genuinely benefitted from being traded. Being traded from the LA Lakers and headed to the Brooklyn Nets, Russell realized his potential as a star-caliber player.
DLo had a slow start in Brooklyn. Averaging only 15.5 points and 5.2 assists in his first season, Russell struggled to get his team off the ground. However, the 2018-19 season saw the youngster emerge as a star.
Earning his first and only All-Star selection, Russell also led an exciting young Nets team to the playoffs. This also earned him his first major contract extension.
Following this, Russell bounced from Brooklyn to Golden State and eventually set up a solid station in Minnesota. While he played in a lesser capacity with the Timberwolves, DLo was undoubtedly a key player for the team.
Russell played a huge role as the Timberwolves' primary ball-handler and playmaker. In this capacity, he also did a solid job as a secondary or tertiary scorer for the team.
Unfortunately, with each passing season, Russell saw a reduction in his overall output on the scoring front. Additionally, given his upcoming contract extension with the team, some rumors had already suggested that the Timberwolves would consider moving him at the trade deadline.
After developing his game and maturing significantly, D'Angelo Russell may show different results for the Lakers this time around. Giving the team necessary floor-spacing and playmaking, D'Angelo Russell could gradually be a vital cog in the system.