At the end of August, D’Angelo Russell noted that he was in “the greatest place ever” after a summer dedicated to improving his physique and overall game. Now, just over six months later, Russell is in an even better place. The 23-year-old guard has become an All-Star and has led the Nets as they battle for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.



Saddled with a damaged reputation following some interpersonal squabbles with teammates in his first two seasons with the Lakers, Russell has made the most of his clean slate in Brooklyn. Fans at Barclays Center even broke out a “Thank you, Magic” chant while Russell was at the free throw line in Wednesday’s win over Cleveland, showing gratitude to Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson for the deal that sent the former No. 2 overall pick to the Nets in June 2017.



Since acquiring Russell, the Nets have made several offer sheets to restricted free agents on other...