Things at the LA Lakers were tumultuous for D’Angelo Russell. He had been unplayable on most occasions for the team, given his defensive downfall. Meanwhile, on the offensive end too, JJ Redick didn’t seem to find a spot for the 28-year-old point guard. Thus Rob Pelinka signing Dorian Finney-Smith for D’Lo came as no surprise. Now, he’s back with the Brooklyn Nets, where he earned his first All-Star badge in 2019. It’s a bittersweet homecoming for sure.

However, Game 1, Day 1 for the Nets came as a banger for D’Angelo Russell. The new homeboy played his finest games this season and also had his biggest support courtside. Russell’s baby daughter Mila-Rose attended her first NBA game on the first day of 2025. She watched her dad play for the Nets on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. Little Mila-Rose wrapped in warm and fuzzy clothes and an earmuff is the perfect package for baby fever. But what’s surprising here is that D’Lo’s girlfriend Laura Ivaniukas was attending the game at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. And yes, of course, baby Mila-Rose was in her mother’s arms!

It’s most unlikely of Ivaniukas to be courtside, she keeps herself and her kids away from the limelight. But maybe, for Russell’s new journey, she had to be there. So, D’Angelo Russell’s first face-off for Brooklyn became extra special. Taking to his IG Story, Russell shared the photo of his girlfriend and daughter with the caption: “GRATEFUL”

And maybe it was this added support from the courtside that pushed Russell to play at his finest. Or maybe it was the known energy that gelled with him and made things easier?

D’Angelo Russell’s stellar debut for the Brooklyn Nets amidst the loss

D’Lo was traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Lakers last week. It wasn’t particularly shocking news, as many fans had predicted something like this would happen. And given his performance woes, the Laker Nation was happy that D’Angelo Russell finally left. But now with his top-notch debut game for the Nets, who knows the LA fans might soften a bit?

Chipping in 22 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals coming off the bench, Russell set the tone of the game. Sadly, his efforts did not turn the game into a win as the Toronto Raptors clinched a 130-113 win over Brooklyn. Also, as Russell stated, he needs to adjust to the new system of his new (old) team. “It’s just like getting traded any time before that. You’ve got to adjust… A lot’s changed since I’ve been here. So just trying to adjust and jump right in with these guys.”

There’s much to do and prove as D’Angelo Russell returns to the squad he once knew. Undoubtedly, things must have changed over the years. But with the support of his family, D’Lo could come back under the superstar radar like he used to be.