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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell Admits Being ‘Excited’ When Learning Of Nets Trade
Lakers News

Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell Admits Being ‘Excited’ When Learning Of Nets Trade

Corey Hansford
Published: 08/18/2017
2 Min Read
Lakers News: D’angelo Russell Gives His Thoughts On ‘tanking’
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Lakers shocked plenty of people around the NBA when they traded away former second overall pick D’Angelo Russell, along with Timofey Mozgov, to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Brook Lopez and a first-round draft pick that turned into Kyle Kuzma.

The news caught many off guard as even though Russell had some issues in his two years in Los Angeles, there was little doubt about his talent. Nonetheless, Magic Johnson made it clear as to why he felt the need to move on from Russell.

Russell is now ready to move on from his time with the Lakers and fulfill his potential with the Nets. He recently appeared on WFAN with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts and spoke about his initial feelings when he found out about the trade (transcription via Nets Daily):

“I was excited. I was excited to get a new opportunity to start over, but it definitely caught me off guard. You see guys get traded you never think it would have to be you until it does. New step for me.”

Russell’s comments about being excited to hear about the deal is an interesting one as it would seem to suggest that he was ready to leave the Lakers. Russell admitted to being unsure about his future with the team once Magic Johnson took over and it’s possible he was simply happy to not have that hanging over his head anymore.

Now in Brooklyn, Russell will have the opportunity to be the top player on a young, up and coming team. Meanwhile the Lakers have moved on to Lonzo Ball who’s outstanding passing and leadership is something the Lakers believed they were missing.

Without a doubt it will certainly be interesting to see the atmosphere when Russell returns to Staples Center next season. He won’t have to wait long either as the Nets come to Los Angeles on November 3.

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TAGGED:Brooklyn NetsD'Angelo RussellLos Angeles Lakers
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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