D’Angelo Russell Bio
D’Angelo Russell (born February 23, 1996), nicknamed “DLo,” is an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A point guard listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 193 pounds, he plays for the Dallas Mavericks and previously suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and a second stint with the Lakers. Russell earned one NBA All-Star nod in 2019 and was part of the Lakers team that won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023.
Selected second overall in the 2015 NBA draft out of Ohio State, Russell built his reputation as a skilled passer and perimeter scorer. Across his career he has averaged double-digit scoring and has served as a primary ball-handler for several franchises, establishing himself as one of the more recognizable young guards of his draft class.
Early Life and Background
D’Angelo Russell was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 23, 1996. He grew up in the Louisville area and attended Central High School during his freshman year before transferring to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, for his sophomore season. The move to Montverde, a powerhouse program known for producing elite talent, helped shape his early development as a lead guard.
At Montverde Academy in 2014, Russell helped the team capture back-to-back High School National Tournament championships while playing alongside future NBA star Ben Simmons. He was rated as a five-star recruit and went on to play in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, finishing his prep career as one of the top prospects in the country. On June 7, 2013, Russell committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over Louisville, Michigan State, and North Carolina.
Path to Basketball
Russell’s path to professional basketball accelerated during his single college season at Ohio State in 2014–15. He opened the year with strong all-around production and set a career high of 14 rebounds in a January 9, 2015 win over Maryland, followed by 33 points against Northwestern on January 21. On February 8, 2015, he recorded 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against Rutgers for the first triple-double by an Ohio State freshman, signaling his readiness for the next level.
During the NCAA Tournament, Russell scored 28 points in a 75–72 overtime win over VCU before Ohio State’s season ended with a loss to Arizona. He averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 33.9 minutes across 35 games, earning the Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard, consensus first-team All-American honors, first-team All-Big Ten recognition, and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. On April 22, 2015, Russell declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility, and was widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the class.
D’Angelo Russell Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
On June 25, 2015, the Los Angeles Lakers selected D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. He debuted on October 28, 2015 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, recording four points, three rebounds and two assists in just under 26 minutes. By March 1, 2016, Russell had erupted for 39 points and eight three-pointers against the Brooklyn Nets, setting a Lakers rookie record for threes in a single game and posting the highest single-game total by any rookie that season. He led all rookies in steals per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
In his second season, Russell opened with 20 points against the Houston Rockets and later scored a career-high 40 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 19, 2017. He battled knee and calf injuries during the year but still posted double-doubles and showed progress as a playmaker, helping lay the groundwork for his next chapter.
Brooklyn Nets Breakthrough (2017–2019)
On June 22, 2017, Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that also brought Timofey Mozgov to Los Angeles in exchange for Brook Lopez and the draft rights to Kyle Kuzma. He debuted with 30 points and five assists against the Indiana Pacers on October 18, 2017, and later that season recorded his first career triple-double with 18 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors on March 23, 2018. After arthroscopic left knee surgery in November 2017 kept him out for 32 games, he returned and steadily rebuilt his rhythm.
The 2018–19 season marked Russell’s true arrival. He erupted for a career-high 44 points against the Sacramento Kings on March 19, 2019, scoring 27 in the fourth quarter to erase a 28-point deficit, and earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors in January. On February 1, 2019, he was selected to his first All-Star Game as a replacement for the injured Victor Oladipo. Russell led the Nets to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 42–40 record and scored 26 points in his postseason debut in Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Golden State Warriors Era (2019–2020)
On July 7, 2019, Russell was sent to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade package for Kevin Durant, signing a four-year, $117 million contract as part of the deal. Paired with Stephen Curry, who missed much of the season with injury, Russell stepped into a leading role and produced a career-best scoring average of 23.6 points per game. His standout moment came on November 8, 2019, when he scored a career-high 52 points on 37 shots in an overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves Era (2020–2023)
On February 6, 2020, Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a package for Andrew Wiggins. He reunited with close friend Karl-Anthony Towns and debuted four days later with 22 points and five assists against the Toronto Raptors. After sitting out a nationally televised game in Denver to rest a sore knee, the Timberwolves became the first team fined under the NBA’s player-resting policy, a sign of how central Russell had become to the rotation.
Russell remained a key piece over the next three seasons, scoring a season-high 37 points with nine assists in a February 24, 2022 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and pouring in 29 points in a Play-In victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on April 12, 2022. On November 13, 2022, he posted 30 points and 12 assists on 11-of-13 shooting against the Cleveland Cavaliers, underscoring his efficiency as a lead guard.
Return to the Los Angeles Lakers (2023–2024)
On February 9, 2023, Russell was traded back to the Lakers in a three-team deal that sent Mike Conley Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Minnesota. Two days later he scored 15 points against the Golden State Warriors, and on April 28, 2023, he recorded a playoff career-high 31 points in a Game 6 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. On July 7, 2023, he re-signed with Los Angeles on a two-year, $36 million contract.
Russell played a key role in the Lakers’ run to the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament title in December 2023 and scored a season-high 44 points with the game-winning floater against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2024. On March 22, 2024, he surpassed Nick Van Exel for the most three-pointers in a single season by a Laker.
Dallas Mavericks Era (2025–Present)
On July 6, 2025, Russell signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. In his first season with Dallas, he appeared in 26 games including three starts, averaging 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a veteran reserve guard. His steady ball-handling and perimeter shooting gave the Mavericks a reliable secondary playmaker off the bench.
Notable Events and Milestones
Russell’s career is studded with marquee performances, from a 39-point Lakers debut season in 2015–16 to a 44-point eruption with the Nets in March 2019 and a 52-point showdown with the Warriors in November 2019. He became the youngest player to hit 130 three-pointers in a season, set the Lakers’ rookie record for threes in a game, captured the 2023 NBA Cup with Los Angeles, and made his lone All-Star appearance in 2019.
D’Angelo Russell Career Wins
Russell’s win totals are concentrated in his role as a long-term starter and lead guard across multiple franchises. His signature team accomplishment came in December 2023, when he helped the Lakers win the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. While individual series totals fluctuate season to season, his career is highlighted by the All-Rookie Second Team nod in 2016, the 2019 All-Star selection, and the 2023 NBA Cup championship.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NBA Cup, Russell earned the Jerry West Award, consensus first-team All-American honors, and Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his lone Ohio State season. He was also a McDonald’s All-American in 2014 and helped Montverde Academy win consecutive High School National Tournament championships earlier in his career.
2025 Season Performance
Russell’s 2025 calendar was defined by a fresh start in Dallas. After signing with the Mavericks in early July, he settled into a bench role and provided steady guard play, appearing in 26 games with three starts. His averages of 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists underscored his value as a secondary creator and outside shooter who could steady second units.
As the Mavericks continued to build chemistry around their core, Russell’s veteran presence and pick-and-roll savvy offered a reliable bridge between bench and starting lineups. Heading into the second half of his two-year Dallas deal, his focus remained on efficiency, shot selection, and keeping the offense humming when the starters rested.