D’Angelo Russell returned to Los Angeles for the first time since his trade to the Brooklyn Nets, facing off against his former teammate and close friend Austin Reaves. Learn how Russell’s mentorship helped Reaves thrive as the Lakers’ starting point guard in a nail-biting showdown.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves commended Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell for helping him grow as a player.

The veteran forward has been limited – and away from the team briefly – since he was acquired in a late-December trade, but he was cleared for more minutes ahead of Tuesday’s game.

Last month, the Lakers ditched the expiring contract of point guard D'Angelo Russell, second-year forward Maxwell Lewis, and three future second round draft picks, sending them to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for 3-and-D small forward Dorian Finney-Smith and microwave scoring guard Shake Milton.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves gave major credit to his former teammate D’Angelo Russell for helping him deal with the LA scrutiny.

D'Angelo Russell is looking forward to "moving on" as he faces the Los Angeles Lakers with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

Ahead of his first game against his former team since getting traded last month, Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell commented Friday on how his second

After scoring a career-high 38 points, Austin Reaves poked fun at former teammate D'Angelo Russell for not coming through in crunch time.

Despite a close miss by D'Angelo Russell, the Nets lost to the Lakers 102-101 in what was supposed to be a revenge game for Russell, who had 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists off the bench. Ziaire Williams had 15 points and Tosan Evbuomwan had 15 points and six rebounds off the bench to continue his impressive stretch for Brooklyn after being one of the team's recent Two-Way signings.

D’Angelo Russell, facing the Lakers for the first time since last month’s trade, was sharp off the bench and kept the Nets in striking distance throughout the night.

The chances of the Lakers making the type of big trade that would make them contenders or near-contenders any time soon may be slim.