The 2018-2019 Brooklyn Nets were one of the most unlikely success stories of the past decade. Led by a cast of young and unproven players, Brooklyn inexplicably won 42 games and reached the playoffs in the midst of an era marked by one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history.

At the heart of the Nets’ overachievement was the breakout player who earned All-Star status for his leadership role in the team’s success: D’Angelo Russell.

Russell played in 81 games in 2018-19, averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.9 three-point field goals per game. In addition to being named an All-Star, he also finished second in Most Improved Player voting.

Unfortunately, the Nets quickly shifted their priorities and shipped Russell away the following summer in a deal that brought in Kevin Durant and began the franchise’s cursed Big Three era.

Five years later, Russell has spent time with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. His run in Los Angeles is ongoing, but many believe Russell could be traded before the 2025 deadline or hit free agency next summer.

As Russell prepares for what Lakers head coach JJ Redick has predicted will be a career year, he appears to be chasing the ghost that was never allowed to safely travel the hallowed halls of the NBA.

Russell was one of the Lakers’ most productive players during his second stint with the team. This past season he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 3.0 three-point field goals made while shooting .456/.415/.828.

Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry and Russell are the only players in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 threes on 40.0 percent shooting or better from outside the box. bow.

Unfortunately, a subpar performance in the postseason has made Russell’s regular season success irrelevant in the eyes of the skeptics. He played well at times, scoring 23 points, six assists and making seven three-point field goals in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets, and dropping 21 points in Game 4, but those showings yielded an 0-for-7 effort in a crucial loss in Game 3.

As Russell approaches yet another season that could precede a change in home venue, 2023-2024 has become an unfortunate reminder of the events of the 2018-2019 season.

Without Russell, the Lakers likely would have failed to reach the Playoffs, much like the Nets. In addition to flourishing throughout the regular season, he dropped 21 points and six assists in the Lakers’ 110-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament.

It’s a conveniently glossed-over fact that seems to dismiss the reality that Anthony Davis and LeBron James shot a combined 12 of 36 from the field during the Play-In tournament.

Despite the areas in which Russell has found success, the ghost of his Brooklyn era continues to haunt him. As well as he plays during the regular season and even the Play-In Tournament, his shortcomings in the postseason have led to teams underestimating his overall contributions.

While Russell wants to make the most of what could be his final season in Los Angeles, the ghost he can’t escape is the one he must overcome.

Failure to do so could mean having to look for a new home again.