The Lakers and Timberwolves have battled fiercely through the first three games of their first-round series, with Minnesota holding a 2-1 advantage after a dominant second-half performance in Game 3.
Los Angeles has struggled to maintain momentum, setting up a critical Game 4 on Sunday.
Amid the ongoing series, D’Angelo Russell-who has ties to both franchises-has stirred controversy with his latest comments.
Russell, who played for the Lakers during two separate stints and spent significant time with the Timberwolves before being dealt back to Los Angeles, recently revealed his pick to win the series: the Timberwolves.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, head coach JJ Redick and forward LeBron James.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images Candice Ward-Imagn Images His comments have not been received kindly by Lakers fans.
Russell, who was traded midseason to the Brooklyn Nets in December in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, was already a polarizing figure in Los Angeles after a disappointing playoff run last year.
After saying he cannot bet against Austin Reaves, Russell then went through Minnesota’s roster and said he is going with the Timberwolves to defeat the Lakers (via The Backyard Podcast).
His message drew reactions from fans on X. Bro picked the Twolves to win the series I’m cryin pic.twitter.com/h3JuJQN0KN — ✧.* (@HoodiiBron) April 25, 2025
“Dudes find out they’re not built like that and get mad whenever a team that wants to contend gets rid of them,” a fan wrote “Don’t send him no ring if they win it all,” said another, “Bro thinks literally anybody cares about his opinion,” one added.
“Of course he did… He’s been playing against the Lakers even when he was on the Lakers,” wrote another. “he mad that he got traded,” claimed one fan.
The backlash perhaps stems from lingering frustrations over Russell’s underwhelming postseason contributions during his final stretch in Los Angeles, where he was often criticized for his inconsistency on offense.
As for the Lakers, they will look to bounce back from Game 3’s defeat convincingly on Sunday, and even the series before returning to Crypto.com Arena for Game 5.
