D’Angelo Russell had candid response about alley-oop to LeBron

D'Angelo Russell Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell had the most candid response about bounce-pass alley-oop to LeBron James

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Jan 22, 2024 10:31 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers put together a well-rounded performance en route to a 24-point victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. While it's been an up-and-down year for the team, one player who's dealt with the rollercoaster of results more than many of his teammates is guard D'Angelo Russell. But Russell, whose name is constantly attached to trade rumors, had another stellar showing, pouring in 34 points with eight assists, one of which came in the form of a bounce-pass alley-oop to star LeBron James.

D'Angelo Russell gets the block which leads to a little bit of Showtime in Los Angeles. I will never not be mesmerized by the fact that LeBron James can *still* do stuff like this. pic.twitter.com/Gu6NgrC6XU
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) January 22, 2024

After the game, Russell was asked about the play and he gave a wholesome answer about simply trying to go out and have fun while also admitting he never thought he'd get to throw a bounce-pass lob to James.

"Just having fun ... I mean, that's what we all dream of doing... Never thought I’d be able to throw a bounce pass lob to LeBron James in a game," Russell told Spectrum SportsNet.

It was a refreshing answer from Russell, who's in the midst of, by far, his most impressive month of the 2023-24 NBA season from a scoring perspective. Through eight games in January, the 27-year-old guard is averaging 22.4 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field and 47.6% from beyond the arc. His points and shooting percentages are all the highest they've been in any month this year, as well as any single month of the entire 2022-23 season.

If Russell continues to play at this level, it's going to add a bit more intrigue around the idea of the Lakers trading him, especially if the team can put together a winning streak here over the next few games as the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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