Over the last couple of days, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in the news, but it’s not for their play on the court. A video leaked of Nick Young having a private conversation with D’Angelo Russell.
The leaked video has reportedly caused a major rift in the Lakers locker room with reports that teammates are isolating Russell.
This is terrible for a team already in turmoil and Russell spoke to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical telling him how awful he feels about the video leaking out:
“I am sick,” Russell told The Vertical by phone on his drive to the Staples Center on Wednesday. “I am sorry about recording the video. I can’t repeat myself enough on that: I am sorry I recorded that video. I feel horrible. I wish this never happened.”
As for regaining the trust of his teammates, Russell noted that he will do whatever he has to:
“I know this is going to be tough. I am a good person. I cherish the relationships I have and I would never intentionally hurt someone. I will work hard to earn back the trust of my teammates and those who were impacted by this. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
How the video was leaked is still something that has not been answered, but Russell insists that he never meant for it to get out to the public and that he and Young record and prank each other regularly.
Nonetheless, Russell seems to be accepting the responsibility and consequences for his actions which is all one can ask for at this time. His teammates coming around to trust him again is something that is out of his control.