“LeGM said it’s enough DLo,” this is what Dwight Howard had to say when D’Angelo Russell was traded by the Lakers or LeBron James. From the moment D’Angelo Russell rejoined the Lakers, it felt like his name was always in trade talks. He did not disappoint though, at least in the regular season. In the 2023-24 season, Russell posted 18 points and 6.3 assists across 76 games. His shooting remained reliable at 45.6% overall and 41.5% from deep, solidifying his reputation as a steady floor general—at least during the regular season.

Everything shifted after JJ Redick stepped in as coach. Russell’s role and production took a hit, averaging just 12.4 points and 4.7 assists in 29 games, starting in only 10. His shooting percentages dipped to 41.5% and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Redick leaned on Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis offensively while expecting more defensive effort and off-ball movement from Russell. LeBron James also returned to handling the ball more, limiting Russell’s chances to thrive.

A trade to Brooklyn in December gave Russell the freedom he needed. Back in his element as a lead playmaker, he recently tallied 23 points and 10 assists against the Knicks last night.

Reflecting on his resurgence, he said, “I’ll never take being able to play free basketball like this for granted again.”

Lakers Nation berates D’Angelo Russell, believes he can’t perform under pressure

One fan wrote, “Bro likes expectationless basketball.” Playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis means every possession is scrutinized, and mistakes are magnified. When you’re playing for a team with championship aspirations, this is what the level of scrutiny is. You have to accept criticism and deliver, or else they’ll ship you off.

“Dude enjoys losing if it means playing free and not having to worry about defense or criticism,” tweeted another fan. In Los Angeles, Russell struggled to fit into a system that emphasized off-ball movement, defensive accountability, and playing through superstars like James and Davis.

His diminished role there, coupled with Redick’s demand for a more structured approach, seemed to stifle his confidence and output. Which left the Lakers with no choice but to trade him.

His comment shows the difference between the Nets and the Lakers. And one netizen pointed it out correctly, “0 pressure on a lottery team playing free 🤣”. When D’Angelo Russell expressed appreciation for “free basketball,” it struck a chord with fans who associate such freedom with playing in low-stakes environments, like his current stint with the Brooklyn Nets.

On a lottery-bound team, the pressure to perform and deliver immediate results diminishes significantly.

Another reaction, “Basically just said he enjoys losing,” taps into a broader critique of D’Lo’s comments about playing “free basketball” and the perception it creates about his competitive mindset. This reaction also hints at an unspoken expectation of elite athletes: to embrace high-pressure situations and push for success, even at the cost of personal comfort.

It looks like Russell just wasn’t cut out for this. On the other hand, Dorian Finney-Smith felt elated to finally play for a championship-aspiring team.

Another user had a harsh take. “Of course .. the nets have nothing to play for .. DLO can do whatever he wants they won’t make the playoffs anyway,” they wrote. With the postseason essentially out of reach, there’s little consequence to experimentation, mistakes, or even flashy, individual performances that might not contribute to wins.

For someone like D’Lo, who has shown he can thrive in rhythm-heavy roles, this environment might suit his playing style. However, this could also strengthen the narrative that he performs best when others take the pressure off.