Russell of course is a two-time member of both the Lakers and the Nets, and was making his first return to Los Angeles since the team dealt him to Brooklyn last month. After missing the game winner, Russell took to X with a cryptic message that had Nets fans buzzing. “Muted emotion,” wrote Russell in his post.

Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell discussed trying to move on from the tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers before he dropped 19 points.

At least this time, the Nets showed some heart. But they had it broken, falling 102-101 to the Lakers, aided by some endgame heroics from LeBron James.