Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell draws laughs in commercial, but not from Nick Young
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is ready to make light of the Nick Young incident from last season — when Russell secretly taped Young discussing women other than his fiance and the video leaked on the Internet — but he still doesn’t want to say much about it.
Foot Locker released a commercial Tuesday that features Russell, Timberwolves center Karl Anthony-Towns, Suns guard Devin Booker and Louisiana State forward Ben Simmons.
In the video, Simmons, who is projected as the top pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, receives advice from the three players about entering the NBA.
Towns and Booker provide reasonable tips, then Russell asks for Simmons’ phone and tosses it into a pool. “Trust me,” Russell says.
The commercial is good for a few laughs.
But Tuesday at a press conference to introduce new Lakers Coach Luke Walton, Russell’s smile quickly disappeared when he was asked about his role in the commercial.
“Definitely in the past, I’m not really worried about the commercial. It was more of a fun, like you said, bring light to the situation,” Russell said. “Obviously, the situation has passed and I don’t really have much to say, I made my statement.… I’m looking past it.”
Young did not seem too pleased with the commercial. Shortly after it’s release he tweeted, “Real funny.”
Young and his fiance, Iggy Azalea, reportedly ended their engagement last weekend.
Young has two years and $11.1 million remaining on his Lakers contract. When asked after the season if he saw a future with the team, Young said he expected something to change.
Follow Lindsey Thiry on Facebook and Twitter @LindseyThiry
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