Lakers' D'Angelo Russell Apologizes for 'Showing a Lack of Professionalism at Times'

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't make many significant additions this offseason, so they are going to need more consistent play from D'Angelo Russell alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

With that as the backdrop, the guard used Monday's media day to apologize for some of his behavior during the 2023-24 season.

"I think for me, honestly, I really want to apologize in the sense of showing a lack of professionalism at times," Russell said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Showing a lack of team-first perception at times. So for me, just keeping that maturity and that professionalism throughout the year no matter the ups and downs. Holding myself more accountable on the defensive end."

McMenamin noted that Russell's up-and-down 2023-24 campaign included "butting heads with former coach Darvin Ham," as well as losing his starting spot and then regaining it back.

While he got that starting spot back, he struggled in Los Angeles' first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets and shot 38.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from deep. That put even more pressure on the two stars, and the Lakers didn't have enough firepower to keep pace in the five-game series.

It left Russell's future with the Lakers up in the air at times over the summer, but he is still on the roster heading into the new season.

James turns 40 years old in December, while Davis' 76 games last season marked the first time he appeared in more than 62 contests since 2017-18. Austin Reaves is a solid third option, but the Purple and Gold will need players like Russell to play at their best if they are going to contend in a loaded Western Conference.

And Russell's comments Monday suggest he will take a more mature approach under new Lakers head coach JJ Redick.