Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell Responds to His Critics: ‘I Want All the Smoke’

Players of lower quality would have given in to the pressure and playing under the bright lights of Hollywood for such a famous team like the Los Angeles Lakers.

But not D’Angelo Russell, who continues to surpass the constant examination, public humiliation and endless talks about trading him.

“On the court, I’ve always felt like I was capable of doing things. Getting hot makes it a little more exciting,” Russell told reporters after leading a LeBron James-less Lakers to an exciting 123-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, March 8, before an enthusiastic crowd at Crypto.com Arena. “Off the court, obviously you all know what I’ve been through.

Being publicly humiliated has only shaped me into the determined person that you all see today. I never lack confidence. I never fear confrontation. I want all the smoke. Let’s, high IQ players, let’s get in the room and talk about it. I just feel confident in what I bring to the basketball game, so whatever room I walk in, I’m confident.”

With James sitting this important game out with a swollen left ankle, Russell stepped up to the challenge.

The polarizing Russell finally had his defining Laker moment.

He battled Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard went head-to-head down the stretch, finishing with 44 points and then sealing it with the go-ahead floater with 5.9 seconds left.

Russell’s former teammate at Brooklyn, Spencer Dinwiddie, preserved his heroics with the game-winning block on Lillard before the buzzer.

‘One of the Most Unstoppable Offensive Forces’

Russell matched his career-high with 9 3-pointers and scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, including eight in the final 73 seconds of the game.

“He’s a big-time offensive guy,” Dinwiddie told Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports Network of Russell. “When he gets hot especially from three, he’s one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the league. He’s playing with a lot of confidence and feels really comfortable right now.”

Russell, the Lakers’ No. 2 pick in 2015 who is in his second stint with the team, added nine assists, six rebounds and one block for an outstanding performance.

The win moved the Lakers (35-30) back to ninth in the West, half-game above the 33-29 Golden State Warriors, who will be without Stephen Curry for a few games with right ankle sprain.

LeBron James’ Injury Not a Cause of Concern

Lakers coach Darvin Ham revealed before the game that James experienced severe swelling on his ankle that forced him to sit out. But he quickly noted that it’s not a major cause of concern for his 39-year-old superstar.

“I think it’s caused by 21 years of service,” Ham said via AP. “We think it’s a day-by-day thing, and we’re going to treat it as such. See how he feels tomorrow (March 9).”

The Lakers hope James to be back when they face the No.2 seed Minnesota Timberwolves, who are reeling from the loss of Karl-Anthony Towns who will undergo surgery to repair the torn left meniscus.

A win against the Timberwolves on Sunday, March 10, will help them in their quest for a direct playoff spot.

After the exciting victory over the Bucks, the Lakers are now only one game behind the No. 8 spot Dallas Mavericks (35-28) and three games behind the No. 6 seed Phoenix Suns (37-26).