The Los Angeles Lakers have a storied history with 506 players donning their jerseys since their inception in 1946. Among them, D'Angelo Russell—a second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft—stands out as a controversial yet impactful figure. Drafted during Kobe Bryant's final season, expectations were high for Russell, who initially struggled with maturity and shooting efficiency, leading to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017.

Despite a rocky start, Russell found his footing with the Nets, even earning an All-Star selection in 2019. His journey continued through the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, where he grappled with consistency. Returning to the Lakers in 2023, he played a pivotal role in their playoff run to the Western Conference Finals. However, his struggles persisted, leading to another trade back to Brooklyn. Now with the Dallas Mavericks, Russell faces new challenges while reuniting with former Laker teammates, attempting to fulfill his potential.