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via Imago

via Imago

The Los Angeles Lakers have made some big moves this off-season. After their improbable run to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Lakers are ready to take the next step and win their second NBA Championship in the LeBron James era. Impressed with the performance of King James’ young teammates, Rob Pelinka re-signed the young Lakers core of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarret Vanderbilt, and D’Angelo Russell.

Even after D’Angelo Russell’s disappointing performance in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Pelinka re-signed the 27-year-old guard on a 2-year $36,000,000 contract. Months after bagging the lucrative deal, Russell celebrated another big moment in his personal life.

D’Angelo Russell celebrates a new milestone

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2 months after securing his place in the Los Angeles Lakers roster, D’Angelo Russell celebrated his son’s first birthday. Russell posted pictures of his son Riley’s rookie card and his entire family celebrating the special day wearing the Lakers uniform. “We love you so much big guy. Can’t wait to watch you continue to grow. Happy bornday son.” The Lakers guard wrote, followed by a heart emoji. Riley Russell’s rookie card had the cutest stats as it displayed how many screams and naps the 1-year-old took in his rookie year.

 

This was a big day for D’Angelo Russell, and he looked very happy to celebrate it with his loved ones. D’Angelo will look to carry this mood to the upcoming NBA season as he hopes to bounce back from his terrible performance in the Conference Final last season.

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D’Angelo Russell is looking for redemption

D’Angelo Russell joined the Lakers in the middle of last season and instantly had a positive impact on the team. He finished his first season with the Lakers averaging 17.4 points and 6.1 assists, showing potential to hold the starting point guard spot for LeBron James’ squad. With huge expectations riding on his shoulders, Russell’s numbers declined in the playoffs as he averaged only 13.3 points and 4.6 assists in the 16 games he played. Russell’s performance hit rock bottom when he faced The Joker in the Conference Finals. He could not even average in the double digits for that series.

Read More: Following Lebron James’ Approval, Deion Sanders’ Approach to Handling Critics Gets a Nod From Giannis Antetokounmpo

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After the Lakers got swept by The Joker and Co., analysts believed the Lakers would part ways with D’Angelo. But Pelinka re-signed the 27-year-old for two more years. D’Angelo will look to bounce back this upcoming season and return to the form he was in during the regular season. If he plays the way he played during the regular season, he can help King James and The Brow reach the NBA finals once again. The Lakers fans hope to see D’Angelo Russell back in form, hitting his opponents with his iconic “Ice in my veins” celebration.

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