The trade between the Lakers and the Nets has been completed. In yesterday's game against the Cavaliers, newcomers Finney-Smith and Milton made their debuts for the Lakers, performing well enough to satisfy the fans.
Today, in the game between the Nets and the Raptors, Russell also made his return debut with the Nets, delivering an even more impressive performance.
In this game, the Nets achieved what they wanted: to keep the score close in the first three quarters to attract fans, then suddenly collapse in the fourth quarter, losing 113-130.
The Nets' goal is clear: to tank, secure a higher draft pick, and focus on the future. How to lose in a spectacular way is an art.
Russell doesn't care about that. His goal is to get better stats so he can get a better offer after his contract year and make more money.
In this game, Russell came off the bench for 26 minutes, shooting 9 of 13 from the field, including a perfect 7 of 7 from two-point range, efficiently contributing 22 points, 8 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks, a very eye-catching performance.
The last time Russell was traded from the Lakers to the Nets, he went all out, making it directly into the All-Star Game lineup, which was also his only All-Star Game appearance in his NBA career so far, and the source of his first big contract.
This time, back with the Nets again, will Russell be able to make it to the All-Stars again?
Coincidentally, Russell met an old acquaintance on the Nets' bench: Ben Simmons.
He is also a heavyweight, a former All-Star player, and in a contract year.
It's worth noting that Russell and Ben Simmons were high school teammates, dominating together at Montverde Academy.
But now it seems that both have deviated somewhat from their original goals.
Of course, if they no longer consider the NBA championship and just want to make big money, then it can be considered as staying true to their original aspirations.
However, the Lakers might be confused again: why, when you were with the team, things were always not good, but once you got to the Nets, you exploded? You became an All-Star?
Will Russell return to the Lakers for a third time...