Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell Fires Back At Vile Critics: ‘I Want All the Smoke’

The Los Angeles Lakers met the Milwaukee Bucks without LeBron James. Players understood the assignment and elevated the game to a different level. The Lakers ended up beating Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team with a 123-122 win. D’Angelo Russell was a bright star on the basketball court and used this opportunity to blast critics.

“On the floor, I’ve always felt like I was capable of doing things. Getting hot makes it a little more exciting,” Russell told the media. “Off the floor, obviously you all know what I’ve been through.

“Public humiliation has done nothing but mold me into the killer that you all see today. I never lack confidence. Never fear confrontation. I want all the smoke. Let’s, high IQ players, let’s get in the room and talk about it. I just feel confident in what I bring to the basketball game, so whatever room I walk in, I’m confident.”

Russell takes a shot at critics

Russell received unhealthy dose of criticism following the missed opportunity to beat the Denver Nuggets in last year’s Western Conference. He didn’t make an impact in the postseason and many thought that he’d leave the Lakers in the offseason. It didn’t happen as Russell signed another contract with the team.

D'ANGELO MF RUSSELL CLUTCH.

pic.twitter.com/1y8HrVzSOo

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 9, 2024

Russell scored 44 points in the brilliant win over the Bucks. He scored nine 3-pointers, nine assists, six rebounds, and one block, filling out the big void LeBron left behind. Lakers fans went crazy and Russell proved critics wrong. Again.

Spencer Dinwiddie. 🔒
CLUTCH. 🚫 https://t.co/4yS0sN5v1a pic.twitter.com/Wbo4VXs3ud

— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2024

“He’s a big-time offensive guy,” Spencer Dinwiddie told Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports Network of Russell. “When he gets hot especially from three, he’s one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the league. He’s playing a lot of confidence and feels really comfortable right now.”

The Lakers have to close the season with a better record. They suffered an unexpected loss to the Sacramento Kings which probably motivated them to destroy the Bucks.