D'Angelo Russell reached out to LeBron James over the offseason, looking for advice on how to become a more consistent player.

Russell said that James told him to be "prepared mentally to go out and dominate every game, and then [Russell's teammates] will follow that".  

Russell then implemented a strict routine for each day throughout the season.

Russell added that he sympathized with former Lakers teammates Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, saying he was happy to leave behind the constant speculation that surrounded the team.

“I can’t imagine what they’re trying to block out...if [the Lakers] didn’t let me go then, they were gonna let me go now, and I’d be going through what they’re going through. Best thing that happened in my career," said Russell.