D’Angelo Russell feels like he can be himself.
He’s shined for the Lakers this postseason, averaging 16.7 points and 6.0 assists per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from 3-point range.
Russell’s been pivotal to the Lakers owning a 2-1 advantage in their second-round NBA playoff series against the Warriors.
After starting the season with the Timberwolves and arriving to Los Angeles in a midseason trade, Russell is seemingly enjoying the move.
And without any limitations.
“I felt like I was held back there, honestly,” Russell told The Athletic. “I just kind of had to be the third option. Some nights, I was a little more aggressive and was kind of being held back. So to be in a position now where I can kind of thrive and be aggressive and it gets guys going, and where the team reflects off of anybody with that type of energy, it’s fun.”
The Lakers acquired Russell at the trade deadline in February as part of a three-team deal between Los Angeles, the Jazz and the Timberwolves.
Los Angeles parted with Russell Westbrook in the deal, and also brought in Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, Russell is still seemingly the third option with the Lakers, much like he was behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
Russell’s 16.7 points per game this postseason is third-highest on the Lakers behind James and Davis.
The one-time All-Star Russell has also seen his playing time and scoring decrease slightly since the move, but at times has carried the scoring load for the Lakers when others have struggled.
It’s Russell’s second stint with the Lakers after beginning his career with the team and playing his first two seasons in the NBA with Los Angeles after they drafted him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
He and the Lakers both have a major decision looming, as Russell is set to be a free agent after the season.
“I would love to stay here, but I would have loved to be in Minnesota too,” Russell said. “So wherever my feet are, that’s where I’m gonna be.”
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