The Los Angeles Lakers have a completely different vibe right now.
A team that looked out of sync and just going through the motions at times is now a prime example of camaraderie.
The players are having fun on the court, and one can tell.
They’re laughing, high-fiving, and talking trash, just like teams that mesh well are used to doing.
That was evident when LeBron James approached new teammate D’Angelo Russell after a heat-check shot versus the New Orleans Pelicans, showing their special handshake referencing Russell’s signature “ice in his veins” celebration.
LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell "ice in my veins" handshake 🥶pic.twitter.com/3QDvQKW8gK
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 15, 2023
Russell has had that signature celebration since his days with the Brooklyn Nets.
He became a rising star in Brooklyn and looked poised to break out as the former second-overall pick he was, but he regressed since leaving Barclays Center.
Even so, it seems like he’s taking his career back from the ground up in his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, being a much-better fit for Darvin Ham’s team than Russell Westbrook, at least from a basketball standpoint.
More than that, Russell looks like a guy who’s got the joy of playing back after a tumultuous tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the talent is most definitely there.
The Lakers look good even with LeBron away, and having him travel with the team despite being hurt is proof of leadership and the kind of bonding this team is looking to achieve.
So, they still have to make the playoffs first, but don’t sleep on this new-look Lakers squad.
NEXT: NBA Fans React To Anthony Davis' Big Game Against Pelicans
