D'Angelo Russell. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

D'Angelo Russell silenced critics with career night. Then he spoke up

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 3/9/24

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell on Friday silenced his critics for at least one night.

Russell was a one-man offense in the Lakers’ 123-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.

Russell shot a blistering 17 of 25 from the field and 9 of 12 from beyond the arc. He also tallied six rebounds and nine assists.

The one-time All-Star was responsible for 21 of the Lakers’ 27 points in the fourth quarter. He also sank the go-ahead floater with 6 seconds left in the game to put the Lakers up for good.

D'ANGELO MF RUSSELL CLUTCH.

pic.twitter.com/1y8HrVzSOo

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 9, 2024

After the game, Russell was asked about how he has responded to adversity he’s faced off the court all season. The one-time All-Star had been the subject of constant trade rumors before the Lakers held on to him at the February trade deadline.

“Public humiliation has done nothing but molded me into the killer that y’all see today. I never lacked confidence. I never fear confrontation. I want all the smoke. I want to talk about it,” said Russell.

“Public humiliation has molded me into the killer that y'all see today. I never lack confidence, I never fear confrontation, I want all the smoke. I want to talk about it.”

D’Angelo Russell after dropping 44 points in a Lakers win over the Bucks pic.twitter.com/3AyAL7znaS

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 9, 2024

Russell has proven the Lakers right for keeping him at the deadline. Over his last 25 games, Russell has averaged 22.8 points and 6.4 assists on 48 percent shooting from the field and 46 percent from three.

But despite the monster night from Russell, LeBron James was still the trending topic of the night for his viral moment with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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