D'Angelo Russell took a pay cut to stay with the team, isn't this just gambling on everything and wanting to shine on the Lakers? You know, in this competitive NBA league, not everyone has the determination and courage to give up a high salary and choose to stay in a challenging environment.
So, was D'Angelo Russell's decision a win or a loss?
First of all, D'Angelo Russell's skills and ability are unquestionable. From the very beginning when he was selected by the Lakers with the roster pick, he was destined to have an indissoluble bond with the city of Los Angeles. Although he left the Lakers due to some turmoil in the middle, he finally returned to his hometown with the attitude of "the prodigal son does not change his money". This can't help but make people sigh, this is the so-called fate!
After returning to the Lakers, D'Angelo Russell showed good performance and became an indispensable third scoring point next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His three-point shooting percentage was frighteningly high, especially against the Wizards, where he shot 4-of-10 from three-point range, bringing his total three-point shooting to 523, ranking sixth on the team's all-time three-point list. Such a performance is simply a slap in the face to those who have questioned him.
However, when it comes to mid-season performances, this guy is not very consistent. Especially in December, his performance can be described as a "roller coaster", which made many fans feel upset and angry. After the All-Star break, D'Angelo Russell was like a different person, and his state has fully recovered, helping the Lakers' record to go all the way up.
Let's talk about his contract renewal. D'Angelo Russell showed the demeanor of a big man when faced with a two-year, $37 million contract, and he not only chose to stay, but also waived his trade veto. Behind this seemingly inconspicuous contract is his deep affection for the Lakers and the city, as well as his determination and courage to prove himself.
As for this season's performances, D'Angelo Russell has not only lived up to expectations, but simply exceeded everyone's imagination. He has made 212 three-pointers and dished out 448 assists this season, shooting 42.1 percent from three-point range. This kind of performance has only been done by Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard in history. In a sense, D'Angelo Russell's style of play does have a bit of a resemblance to those of these two stars.
So, let's go back to the original question, did D'Angelo Russell's bet win or lose? I would say that this is not just a gamble, but a proof of self-worth. Through this series of performances, D'Angelo Russell not only won the respect of the fans, but also made everyone see his unlimited potential. For the Lakers, they have found a baby, a baby who can take on a big role in a critical moment.
In closing, I would like to say that the story of D'Angelo Russell teaches us that sometimes, life just takes a little courage to gamble. When you bravely face your choices and stick to your decisions, you will eventually find that you have won not only success, but also growth and self-fulfillment. D'Angelo Russell has a long future ahead of him, and there is reason to believe that he will leave an even more brilliant mark on this league.