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Is D'Angelo Russell's off-court success overshadowing his NBA career struggles?

Me,” said D’Angelo Russell, when asked about who has impressed him the most in the Los Angeles Lakers training camp. The vet has always been known for his confident nature. We believe this self-confident and carefree nature would’ve definitely helped him when he met his current girlfriend. Being the 2nd pick overall in the 2015 NBA draft, the hooper hasn’t quite lived up to the surrounding expectations in the league but has surely been very successful in winning at life off the court! 

Laura Ivaniukas and D’Lo have two kids and they’ve brought a lot of attention to the family. She’s also been sharing her pregnancy journey with her followers alongside managing her very fit physique.

Before dating Ivaniukas, Russell was in relationships with former USC volleyball star, Niki Withers and then Gabby Engersgaard. His breakup with Withers, however, seemingly didn’t happen on a good note. After the Nets traded Russell from the Lakers, Withers tweeted “LOL” on X, which seemed pretty harsh. 

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But D’Lo seems to have found ‘the one’ in Laura. While she is the mother of his kids, they are not married. 

Who is Laura Ivaniukas? When did she meet D’Angelo Russell?

Born on May 9, 1999, in Ontario, Canada, Laura Ivaniukas comes from a Lithuanian family, with her parents, Linas and Milena Ivaniukas, and two brothers, Regis and Matas. Standing at 5-foot-10, Laura pursued a career in fashion modeling, which showcases her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and athletic figure. Laura’s early modeling career boosted her popularity, leading to numerous opportunities down the line. In 2019, she appeared in both the Lounge Swimwear Fashion Show and Mare Miami Swim Week.

Her strong, fit physique has landed her some impressive modeling gigs, including appearances in Sports Illustrated as a swimsuit model. She’s also walked in the Lounge Swimwear Fashion Show and MARE Miami Swim Week.

Beyond modeling, Laura Ivaniukas developed a strong passion for fitness, which has become an important part of her life. After her time in modeling, she shifted her focus to fitness. She studied fitness and nutrition, eventually partnering with expert Bryan Chang. Together, they created workout challenges and launched their podcast, “Project Y.

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Is D'Angelo Russell's off-court success overshadowing his NBA career struggles?

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Though the exact date when D’Angelo Russell and Laura Ivaniukas started dating is unclear, people believe they’ve been together since 2020, around the time the hooper suffered an injury. No NBA star wants to deal with an injury and be sidelined for a long stretch. But this recovery time might’ve given them some quality time together.

In a conversation with D’Lo and Laura, the latter revealed her funny first impression of Russell, saying, “I didn’t take him seriously at all.” Considering she was a model, and they first met at a New York fashion show, her reaction was understandable. In the modeling world, it’s understood that models get offers for dates all the time, which makes it difficult to gauge who’s serious or not.

On September 24, 2022, they welcomed a baby boy, Riley Jonas Russell. Since then, the couple has frequently shared pictures of their son, and Laura often cheers on D’Lo at games while she carries little Riley by her side. Their social media often highlights sweet family moments, with both parents proudly showcasing their family journey.

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Two years later, the couple celebrated the birth of their second child, Mila-Rose Russell, on August 9, 2024. This time around, her pregnancy wasn’t as easy as it was with their first child. “NGL, this pregnancy has been kicking my a– energy-wise compared to my pregnancy with Riley,” she admitted. The supermodel had difficulties working out while expecting Mila-Rose, whereas for the first time, D’Lo’s girlfriend could lift weights until she was 39 weeks pregnant!

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She earns the majority of her income through her social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, where she has amassed over 50,000 followers. D’Lo’s girlfriend also boosts her earnings with several brand collaborations and endorsements.

Laura Ivaniukas’s net worth is estimated to be between $150,000 and $200,000. Speaking to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, D’Angelo Russell said, “Before becoming a parent, life seemed complete. But it was the arrival of Riley that filled every corner of our hearts with a love so deep. It reshaped our world, continuously teaching us patience, resilience, and the true meaning of unconditional love. A new purpose in life, beyond basketball.”

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