D’Angelo Russell Facing Backlash From Lakers Fans After 6-Word Message originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The NBA Finals is heading to Game 7 after the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday to force a decisive winner takes all affair on Sunday. It’s the first time since 2016 both teams will battle it out in a Game 7 since 2016, fueling anticipation for what has been a competitive affair for both teams.
As always, the ongoing series have kept fans and analysts riveted, not just for the high-stakes showdowns, but for the buzzing commentary across courtside feeds and social platforms. Players, pundits, and personalities alike have been weighing in—some with insightful takes, others drawing scrutiny for their timing.
Amid the media flurry, former Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell faced backlash for his comments during Thursday’s game. Posting on X, he encouraged young players with a simple message.
“Hey kids work on your midrange,” he wrote.
Hey kids work on your midrange
— D’Angelo Russell (@Dloading) June 20, 2025
But the timing struck a sour chord among Lakers fans, who were quick to remind Russell of his own postseason struggles.
“Right message, wrong messenger,” one fan wrote.
“You’re the reason we lost the WCF,” another fan added.
“Work on not scoring a donut in a playoff game,” a third fan wrote.
“You got the nerve,” another fan mentioned.
While he had some good moments in a Lakers uniform, Russell has several playoff lows as well.
“You are the ‘kids’,” another fan mocked.
“Not Dlo talking about a middy. Lolll,” another fan posted.
Russell’s tenure in LA has attracted its share of criticism. After helping reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals, he faced intense scrutiny during that series against Denver, where his offense went cold—culminating in scoreless performances that ultimately cost the team.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.