D’Angelo Russell Bio
D’Angelo Russell, nicknamed “DLo,” is an American professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 193 pounds, he has built a reputation as a skilled shooter and creative passer since entering the league in 2015. Russell first gained national attention as a top high school recruit and McDonald’s All-American before starring at Ohio State and becoming the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
Across his career, Russell has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and again for the Lakers before signing with the Mavericks. He earned his first NBA All-Star selection in 2019 and helped the Lakers win the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. His journey from a five-star recruit to a veteran NBA guard reflects steady growth and adaptability across multiple teams.
Early Life and Background
D’Angelo Russell was born on February 23, 1996, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in the same city and began his high school basketball journey at Central High School during his freshman year in 2010-11. Louisville’s strong basketball culture helped shape his early love for the game and gave him a foundation to compete at higher levels.
After his freshman season, Russell transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, a program known for producing elite basketball talent. Playing for Montverde, he helped the team win back-to-back High School National Tournament championships in 2014, sharing the court with future NBA star Ben Simmons. That same year, he competed in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, two of the most prestigious all-star events for top high school players in the United States.
Rated as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Russell was one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2014 high school class. On June 7, 2013, he committed to play college basketball at Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over Louisville, Michigan State, and North Carolina. His decision set the stage for a single but highly impactful college season before heading to the NBA.
Path to the NBA
Russell’s path to professional basketball accelerated quickly at Ohio State. During the 2014-15 college season, he averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in 33.9 minutes per game across 35 contests. His scoring, playmaking, and poise as a freshman quickly established him as one of the top guards in college basketball.
Several standout performances highlighted his lone college season. On January 9, 2015, he grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds in a win over Maryland, and later scored a career-high 33 points against Northwestern on January 21. On February 8, he recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 79-60 win over Rutgers, becoming the first Ohio State freshman ever to post a triple-double. In the NCAA Tournament, he scored 28 points in a 75-72 overtime win over Virginia Commonwealth before the Buckeyes were eliminated by Arizona.
Russell earned numerous awards for his play, including 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, he declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. Widely viewed as one of the top prospects in his class, he was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA draft.
D’Angelo Russell Career
Los Angeles Lakers (2015-2017)
Russell made his NBA debut on October 28, 2015, recording four points, three rebounds, and two assists in a narrow loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recorded his first career double-double on December 4, 2015, with 16 points and 10 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks. During his rookie season, Russell led the Lakers and all NBA rookies in steals per game and became the youngest player in league history to hit 130 three-pointers in a single season.
On March 1, 2016, he erupted for 39 points and eight three-pointers in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, setting a Lakers rookie record for three-pointers in a game. He also participated in the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge, where he tallied 22 points and seven assists for Team USA. Russell finished the year on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In his second season, he set a new career high with 40 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 19, 2017, before being traded to Brooklyn in the offseason.
Brooklyn Nets (2017-2019)
On June 22, 2017, Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a package that included Timofey Mozgov, with Brook Lopez and the draft rights to Kyle Kuzma heading to the Lakers. In his Nets debut on October 18, 2017, he scored 30 points with five assists. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in November 2017, he returned in January 2018 and steadily regained his form.
The 2018-19 season marked his breakout. Russell made a career-high nine three-pointers and scored 31 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 12, 2018, and later matched his career high with 40 points in a win over the Orlando Magic on January 18, 2019. On February 1, 2019, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection as a replacement for the injured Victor Oladipo. He closed the year by helping the Nets reach the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and scored 26 points in his postseason debut against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Golden State Warriors (2019-2020)
On July 7, 2019, Russell joined the Golden State Warriors as part of a sign-and-trade package that sent Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets. During his single season with Golden State, he averaged a career-high 23.6 points per game. On November 8, 2019, he scored a career-high 52 points on 37 shots in an overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing his offensive ceiling as a featured scorer.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2020-2023)
On February 6, 2020, Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that sent Andrew Wiggins to Golden State. Reunited with close friend and fellow former high school star Karl-Anthony Towns, Russell debuted with 22 points and five assists against the Toronto Raptors. Over his three seasons in Minnesota, he served as a primary scoring guard and key playmaker.
In a February 24, 2022, win over the Memphis Grizzlies, he scored a season-high 37 points with nine assists. During the 2022 Play-In Tournament, he scored 29 points to lead the Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Clippers after Towns fouled out. On November 13, 2022, he posted 30 points and 12 assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers, shooting 11-of-13 from the field. His time in Minnesota ended when he was traded back to the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.
Return to the Lakers (2023-2024)
Russell rejoined the Lakers on February 9, 2023, as part of a three-team trade that sent Mike Conley Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Minnesota. Two days later, he posted 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists in a win over the Golden State Warriors. On April 28, 2023, he scored a playoff career-high 31 points in a first-round Game 6 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, helping Los Angeles advance.
On December 9, 2023, Russell and the Lakers won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, claiming the first NBA Cup championship in franchise history. He continued producing strong individual performances, including 39 points and eight assists against the Utah Jazz on January 13, 2024, and a season-high 44 points with a 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 in Lakers history, finishing with 184 made triples.
Brooklyn Nets Return (2024-2025)
On December 29, 2024, Russell was traded back to the Brooklyn Nets alongside Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. His second stint with Brooklyn bridged the end of his Lakers tenure and his move to Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks (2025-Present)
On July 6, 2025, Russell signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, joining the franchise as a veteran scoring and playmaking option in the backcourt. The move marked a fresh chapter in his career and gave him an opportunity to compete in the Western Conference alongside a new core of talent.
Driving Style and Strengths
Russell is known for his smooth shooting stroke, deep three-point range, and creative passing vision as a point guard. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, uses hesitation dribbles to break down defenders, and has the size to play both guard positions. His offensive polish and basketball IQ have made him a reliable shot creator and secondary facilitator throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments are his 52-point outburst with Golden State in 2019, his 44-point comeback game with the Brooklyn Nets in March 2019, and his 44-point performance with a game-winning floater for the Lakers in March 2024. He also helped the Lakers capture the inaugural NBA Cup in December 2023 and set the Lakers’ single-season three-point record the following spring.
D’Angelo Russell Career Wins
Russell’s career wins include an NBA Cup championship with the Lakers in 2023 and back-to-back High School National Tournament titles with Montverde Academy in 2014. His individual awards reflect consistent recognition as one of the most talented guards of his generation.
NBA Achievements
Russell earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2016 and was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 2019. He helped the Lakers win the inaugural NBA Cup in December 2023 and set the Lakers’ single-season three-point record in 2023-24. Across his career, he has posted multiple 40-point games and one 50-point performance, underscoring his scoring ability at the highest level.
College and High School Honors
At Ohio State, Russell won the Jerry West Award, was named a consensus first-team All-American, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2015. In high school, he was a McDonald’s All-American in 2014 and a Jordan Brand Classic participant while leading Montverde Academy to consecutive national championships.
D’Angelo Russell Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Russell was raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and remains closely connected to his hometown. While he keeps most of his family life private, his close friendship with Karl-Anthony Towns has been well documented, with the two fulfilling a longtime goal of playing together in the NBA during their time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2025 Season Performance
Russell opened the 2025 season with the Dallas Mavericks after signing a two-year, $13 million contract in July 2025. His veteran presence and shooting ability were expected to provide a steadying influence in the Mavericks’ backcourt alongside their younger core. As a proven scorer and facilitator, he was positioned to play a key role in the team’s offensive system.
Throughout the season, Russell looked to build chemistry with his new teammates and adjust to the Mavericks’ playing style. His track record of productive stretches and playoff experience gave him an opportunity to contribute meaningful minutes and leadership as the team chased a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Looking ahead, Russell’s combination of shooting, court vision, and experience should make him a valuable piece for the Mavericks’ rotation. With multiple seasons of postseason basketball on his resume, he brings playoff poise to a roster aiming to make a deep run in the seasons to come.