Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL franchise trolls Lakers' D'Angelo Russell after win

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Nov 4, 2024 5:06 AM ET

Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is becoming a punching bag for Atlanta-based sports franchises.

Last year, the Hawks fan base made it clear it didn't want Russell on the team when rumors surfaced of a potential trade involving Dejounte Murray, who was eventually shipped to the Pelicans.

This season, it's the Falcons' turn to mock Russell, albeit for a completely different reason. After their 27-21 win over the Cowboys on Sunday, the franchise's X account posted a doctored picture of Russell shooting shots in the background with linebacker Kaden Elliss and the team's mascot, Freddie, celebrating the victory.

The post referenced Russell getting up shots after subpar shooting performances in the Lakers' 2023 and 2024 playoff runs. In back-to-back playoff series against the Nuggets, Russell struggled to find the basket and was widely blamed for his team's losses.

Lakers D’Angelo Russell getting shots up after the Falcons win over the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/4JWAJxxaYG
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 3, 2024

When a fan only later realized the photoshopped picture of Russell in the background, the Falcons account said, "those who get it, get it."

those who get it, get it
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 3, 2024

In a worrying sign for the Lakers, Russell's shooting woes have continued into the 2024-25 season. The 10th-year guard is shooting a career-low .294 from three through the first six games. The Ohio State alum is also averaging a career-low 12.2 points per game, mostly by design, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick has used him as a traditional point guard.

Ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, Russell's name is expected to again surface in trade rumors. One name to watch is Jazz big man Walker Kessler, who is reportedly said to be available for the right price. According to The Athletic, the Jazz are not interested in acquiring Russell in a potential trade for Kessler.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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