For Los Angeles Lakers second-year point guard D’Angelo Russell, being selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend presents a significant opportunity. It’s his second consecutive year participating in the event, and after all the critiques, criticisms and praises he’s received since being selected with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, it’s also a stage.
A stage to showcase his talents, prove his worth, and signal to current NBA All-Stars that his goal is to play in the “real” All-Star game someday.
“Try to go out there and dominate guys your age, so guys that are superstar caliber guys that are playing in the real game (NBA All-Star Game), you’re letting them know, that you’re trying to get there one day,” Russell said about the upcoming Rising Stars Challenge.