Long before D’Angelo Russell suited up in his No. 0 Golden State Warriors white and blue jersey, the Ohio State product was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Los Angeles legend, Kobe Bryant was one of Russell’s first teammates in the NBA.
Before Bryant’s retirement from the NBA, he spent one season alongside the newest Golden State Warrior, Russell. Russell, with only one year of college basketball experience, was playing alongside a five-time champion in his first season in the NBA.
Earlier in the 2019-20 season, Russell credited Bryant’s lessons from his rookie season after closing out a much-needed win for Golden State against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Bryant tragically passed away in a fatal helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gianna, and seven others in Calabasas, California, on Sunday.
One day later, the devastating news is still rippling through NBA circles. Bryant’s impact has been felt across the league with games starting with 24-second violations to honor the fallen All-Star.
Players around the world have weighed in on the loss of Bryant, with several Warriors players, including both Draymond Green and Stephen Curry each paying tribute.
In response to the devastating news of Bryant’s death, Russell went to Instagram to pay tribute to his fallen teammate.
Watched you closer than ever man, learned more than I could in such a short time, asked you more questions than ever. True Role ModeI. I find myself hearing every bit of advice you ever gave me. #legendary #mambamentality
The entire Golden State team will be able to honor Bryant on Tuesday when they travel to Philadelphia for their first game since his death. Following Golden State’s five-game road trip, the Warriors will host Bryant’s team in their first game back in the Bay Area on February 8.