D’Angelo Russell once dreamed of playing with LeBron, Anthony Davis

D’Angelo Russell is expected to draw plenty of interest as a restricted free agent next month, and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be open to bringing him back after they traded him to the Brooklyn Nets just two years ago. If something Russell said prior to that trade holds true, the feeling should be mutual.

Back when he was still with the Lakers, Russell was asked by LakersNation.com to name the four players he would most like to play with in his ideal starting five. Two of the four were LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Rookie @Dloading saying he would want to play with Lebron and AD on his all time starting 5 @LakersNation @WorldWideWob pic.twitter.com/Q2nCPyViZZ

— Jack Stidger (@Stidger24) June 23, 2019

That’s pretty noteworthy, because it means Russell is — or once was — a huge admirer of Davis. LeBron, Bill Russell and Michael Jordan are considered three of the best players of all time, but Davis hasn’t quite reached that level. Plenty of players would have put Bill Russell, Jordan and LeBron in their starting five, but we’re guessing very few would include Davis.

If the Nets are able to execute their preferred offseason plan, it doesn’t sound like they will be motivated to match any offers Russell receives. Perhaps he will get his wish by being able to share the court with LeBron and Davis.