D’Angelo Russell is happy, healthy and motivated entering the most important season of his young career.



Russell smiled from ear to ear at the NBA 2K19 launch event while playing the video game alongside his older brothers Antonio Russell and LaShawn Gilliam. For Russell, smiles haven’t come easily over the past two seasons. And in his first season as a Net, Russell had knee surgery and missed 34 games overall.



Now, after spending the summer improving his physique and training with his best friend, Devin Booker, Russell is motivated to have the best season of his career in a contract year.



“I’m in the greatest place ever, honestly,” Russell told The Athletic. “Like you said, motivation. I see my best friend sign a max deal. I know where we came from, so that’s plenty motivation that I need. I wake up every morning and go to train, and I feel like I’m in the best shape. I don’t know. The sky is the...