On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
D'Angelo Russell gives the Lakers exactly what they need
The Lakers desperately needed shooting at the trade deadline, and they went out and got it by acquiring D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in a three-team deal with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Russell, who's back with the team that drafted him second overall in 2015, could have the biggest impact.
This season, he has made himself into a much more efficient shooter, hitting 54.6% on two-point shots and 39.1% from the three-point line. Both would be career highs.
He is also a capable playmaker who doesn't need the ball in his hands all the time. He averages 6.2 assists, slightly over his career average of 5.7.
D’Angelo Russell is averaging 18.1 PPG 6.2 APG .. shooting 46% from the field and 39% from deep
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) February 7, 2023
Timberwolves are 1.5 games out of the 4th seed and KAT hasn’t played in 30+ games .. pic.twitter.com/y4ao0n9Bj5
Now with the opportunity to play next to LeBron James, Russell will be able to space the floor for the Lakers (25-31) and should find himself with plenty of open shots.
As the Lakers look to make a push for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference, improved three-point shooting could be key in their potential turnaround.
Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell are both top 15 in total 3s made this season.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 9, 2023
The Lakers don’t have anyone in the top 50. pic.twitter.com/nIrvufzG2c
Russell spent his first two seasons in Los Angeles before being dealt to the Nets. In 2019 with Brooklyn, he made his only All-Star appearance.
In the final season of his current contract, expect Russell to continue his strong play as free agency looms in the summer.
More must-reads:
- Lakers deal Russell Westbrook, load up in three-team deal
- Timberwolves are the only loser of the massive three-team deal
- The 'Most career assists' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
LeBron James Stunned by Son’s Change in Appearance
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is in peak off-season mode, enjoying his time off while staying ready for his upcoming 23rd season in the NBA, eighth with Los Angeles. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Lakers last season. On a separate note, his youngest son, Bryce James, is preparing for his first collegiate season with the Arizona Wildcats, where he committed early in 2025. Before this new chapter, he spent most of his high school basketball career playing for Sierra Canyon, where he won a State Division 1 title in his senior year. Meanwhile, upon Bryce's first trip back home since leaving for college, James was taken aback by his appearance. In the Lakers star's latest Instagram story, he welcomes home his youngest son after his first stint away at Arizona. Within the video, James is overcome with excitement as he points out Bryce's latest physical change to his 159 million followers: his beard. "Y'all see his beard? Oh my goodness!" said James. Born in 2007, Bryce is just 18 years old and stands 6'6 tall ahead of his first season with the Wildcats. Primarily playing the shooting guard position, he's poised for a bright future under legendary coach Tommy Lloyd, who is entering his fifth season with the team. Lloyd's 61 wins in his first two seasons with Arizona are an NCAA Division 1 record. The Wildcats will open their season on November 3 against the defending champion Florida Gators at a neutral site in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields found out he has a long way to go following his performance at Tuesday's joint practice with the New York Giants. Per Connor Hughes of SNY TV, Fields started hot at the practice before struggling during the move-the-ball period. "Very interesting practice for #Jets QB Justin Fields," Hughes posted on X. "He finished 7 of 12 with a TD. 5 of 5 to start practice. Then 0 for 4. Finished 2 of 3 with the really impressive TD to Jeremy Ruckert in red zone (starter 18 yard line). "The offensive performance was a bit alarming in move-the-ball period of practice. Fields Co. had three attempts to get down field. They didn’t gain a first down. Only gained yards twice (two short Breece Hall runs). Three sacks. That needs to be fixed. #Giants defense toyed with NYJ during that period." Some Jets fans online thought Hughes was using hyperbole to characterize the practice, but he doubled down on his judgment of the offense. Fields looked strong on his first and only drive in the Jets' 30-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. He went 3-of-4 passing for 42 yards and rushed two times for 14 yards and a touchdown. However, the Giants defense at the joint practice is a much better unit than the short-handed one the Packers trotted out for the first preseason game. Fields' issues seen with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with holding the ball too long and not being able to pass consistently downfield, were a factor against the Giants. Following Saturday's game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Fields was getting better but had a lot to improve on. Tuesday's practice was a humbling reminder that Fields needs to become a consistent passer if the Jets are going to move the ball on good defenses in the regular season.
New Raiders DB Terrell Edmunds On Joining The Squad, Pete Carroll Ideology, And Learning The Playbook
Recently signed Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Terrell Edmunds is wasting no time making his mark—learning Patrick Graham’s playbook, embracing Pete Carroll’s high-energy culture, and competing every snap. When Edmunds walked into the Raiders’ facility for the first time, he knew he was already behind in one way—the rest of the defensive backs had been in the building since April. But instead of dwelling on the gap, the veteran safety embraced a mindset that has defined his career: be a sponge, be coachable, and outwork everyone. The Raiders got themselves some versatility with Terrell Edmunds… Edmunds, a former first-round pick with years of NFL starting experience, is fully committed to Patrick Graham’s defense. His versatility makes him ready to play at any position. Whether it’s at the safety spot or anywhere else, Edmunds can line up wherever the coaches want him to. “Wherever they want me to go, I just go out there and help out the best way I can,” he said. That method also works for the game’s mental side. Although every playbook contains concepts that are easy to understand, Edmunds recognizes that success relies on understanding the specific needs of this system. The first stage is to gain the trust of your teammates and coaches. The second step is to play quickly and without hesitation. What did he do? He stayed in the building, studied diligently, and sought help from his teammates when necessary. “Nothing for me to do at the hotel anyway,” he joked. Edmunds has also been quick to notice Pete Carroll’s fingerprints on the culture in Las Vegas. Having played for multiple storied coaches, he calls Carroll’s style “unique”—a blend of high energy, constant competition, and relentless positivity. Whether jogging the length of the practice field or leading energetic drills, Carroll has an unmistakable tone. One recent example: a tip-ball competition at practice where Edmunds came up short. The loss didn’t bother him—the message did. Compete every day. Be ready. Bring energy. That’s precisely what Carroll, a former DB coach himself, has told Edmunds he wants to see: speed, energy, and adaptability in the system. For Edmunds, this season represents a new chapter with familiar expectations: work hard, earn trust, and allow performance to speak for itself on Sundays. If initial impressions hold true, the Raiders’ secondary has become tougher, smarter, and significantly more competitive. Now, we will see if this unit can deliver when it counts.
Knicks Have 'Mutual Interest' With Veteran Shooter: Insider
The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in bringing back veteran shooting guard Landry Shamet. The Knicks are looking to complete their roster for the 2025-26 season. Last season, Shamet appeared in 50 games for the Eastern Conference team after recovering well from a dislocated shoulder during the preseason. During that stretch, Shamet averaged 5.7 points on 39.7% shooting from deep. In the playoffs, he didn't play an integral part in their run. The guard spent most of the time on the bench and suited up for 11 games, averaging 2.4 points on 46.7% shooting from deep. The Knicks are reportedly interested in having him back as one of their veteran leaders. There Is Mutual Interest Between the Knicks And Shamet NBA insider Ian Begley opened up the idea of Shamet returning to the Knicks. He talked about it on the recent episode of the "Putback with Ian Begley." “I’m talking about Shamet because I think there’s still mutual interest there in Shamet and the Knicks,” Begley said. “If I’m guessing, I’m guessing that it ends up with Shamet getting one of those spots… I think it’ll end up that way. “I think there’s a lot of support, internally, for bringing Shamet back. I think there’s a lot of respect for what he did last year with the shoulder injury, getting back on the floor, impacting the things in the postseason.” Begley also entertained the idea of bringing another veteran player onto the roster. He mentioned free agent guard Ben Simmons, who last played with the Los Angeles Clippers. He remains unsigned despited being a former NBA star.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
