Most of Laker Nation was joyous when hearing the news about the Dorian Finney-Smith trade. For the org and JJ Redick, DFS was a player the Purple and Gold most certainly needed. But above all, there was a sense of satisfaction to see D’Angelo Russell, a crafty point guard offloaded… It wasn’t bad blood. Russell simply didn’t fit the plans. However, Austin Rivers doesn’t appreciate the pattern that exists in LA.

D’Lo didn’t leave with a ceremonious ovation, but rather his trade was relieving. Rivers, a former Clipper, felt he had seen such a situation with the Lakers before. He pointed out how the franchise got the best from Kyle Kuzma before shipping him. The former Nuggets guard felt a similar way about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. What he hates above all is the scapegoat tag all three of them left with, when they got traded.

“D’Lo has had some solid years for the Lakers. You paid him $50 million. You didn’t pay him $200 million to be the third star. You paid him 50. It’s a mid-level contract for people who don’t know,” he said. Mind you, Austin Rivers does acknowledge that sum to be hefty. Consequently, for his contract status, the pod host felt Russell’s contributions were well justified.

“You give more shots and opportunities to Austin Reaves than you did D’Lo. But for whatever reason, last year, this year, the year before, every year D’Lo has been there, they ridicule him! He shoots mid-forties from field goal, shoots damn near 40 from three. He gives you 16, 17 points a game. Under any other circumstance, a $50 million player averaging those numbers is a damn good signing,” Austin Rivers explained on his Off Guard pod.

Russell did underperform this season. Under JJ Redick’s system, his defensive shortcomings became tough to ignore. In addition, he wasn’t shooting the three-ball with his usual consistency. This season, his 33.3% ranked as his second-worst shooting season. Still, a lot was wrong with the Purple and Gold. And while a trade is normal, what Austin Rivers doesn’t like is the lack of accountability.

“For the Lakers, nope, it’s his fault. It’s not LeBron’s fault. Who has a ball in his hands all f–k–g game! It’s not AD’s fault. It’s not the coach’s fault, or it is the coach’s fault,” Austin Reaves continued. “We know that. They’ll fire them quickly,” his panelist quickly intercepted. “It was D’Lo,” he disappointedly replied, moving on.

D’Angelo Russell was willing to give it his all for the Lakers

In his first complete season with the Los Angeles Lakers, D’Lo proved his quality. He averaged 18 points, shot over 40% from the perimeter, and stepped up in the big moments. That being his second stint with the ball club, the 28-year-old wanted to prove a point. “I’m a grown man, now, I’m not a child… I’m just excited to showcase it,” he said upon joining.

However, when playing for a pristine organization such as the Lakers, a lot can change…

This year, D’Angelo Russell started poorly. Under rookie boss JJ Redick, his offense didn’t translate well. Although Russell wanted to have an impact, it simply wasn’t happening. It led to the analyst turned head coach transferring him to the bench.

As it stands, Russell boasts the qualities to be a starting pg for arguably most NBA teams. However, even what many would call a demotion, his aim took precedence over his ego. “I don’t have an ego. I really don’t. I’m just trying to win games. If that means I come off the bench, if that means I start, if that means I play 48 minutes, if that means I play 18 minutes, I just want to win,” Russell admitted about his role.

For a while, he thrived being the leader of the second unit. However, with the opportunity of getting Dorian Finney-Smith, his salary was required to be the accelerator. Now, he is back at the place that gave him the platform to become a winning guard in this league. With the weight of expectations off his shoulders, D’Angelo Russell shared the gratitude he feels for playing freely.

“Dude, I’ll never take being able to play free basketball like this for granted, again. This is style and a play that — obviously we got the best performance team as well. They keep guys fresh, they keep guys in shape. They keep them prepared for the minutes and the load that they’re about to play in,” he says about the Nets.

It may seem like a dig at the Lakers.

However, it’s only D’Lo implying he gets the opportunity to play his brand of ball. His involvement with the Lakers was sporadic. But with the Nets, he is well aware of his role as the starting point guard. That is helping him prepare better mentally and physically.

While his time with the Lakers didn’t reap the results, D’Angelo Russell sure tried and did everything possible to give it his best shot.