Back in February, D'Angelo Russell spoke to reporters about a fresh start on the Los Angeles Lakers, nearly six years after last suiting up for the purple and gold. He exuded confidence about the player he had become since starting with the Lakers after being selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA draft as a teenager.
As he reflected on his memories of teaming up with Kobe Bryant, pivoted from his experience with the Minnesota Timberwolves and looked ahead to playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Russell said something meant to be boastful that can be interpreted much differently now that the Lakers season is over.