D'Angelo Russell is chasing his own ghost ahead of the Lakers' career-defining season

The 2018-19 Brooklyn Nets were one of the most unlikely success stories of the last 10 years. Led by a group of young and unproven players, Brooklyn inexplicably won 42 games and made the playoffs in the middle of an era marked by one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history.

At the heart of the Nets' above-average performance was the breakout player who earned All-Star status for his leading role in the team's success: D'Angelo Russell.

Russell appeared in 81 games during the 2018-19 season and averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.9 three-point field goals per contest. Not only was he named an All-Star, but he also finished second in Most Improved Player voting.

Unfortunately, the Nets quickly changed their priorities and sent Russell out the following summer, bringing in Kevin Durant and ushering in the franchise's cursed Big Three era.

Five years later, Russell spent time with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. His run in Los Angeles continues, but many believe Russell could be traded before the 2025 deadline or that he could become an eligible free agent next summer.

As Russell prepares for what Lakers head coach JJ Redick has predicted will be a career year, he appears to be chasing the spirit that was never allowed to travel safely through the NBA's hallowed halls.

Russell was one of the Lakers' most productive players during his second tenure with the team. Last season, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 3.0 three-point field goals while shooting .456/.415/.828.

Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry and Russell are the only players in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 three-pointers while shooting 40.0 percent or better have achieved distance.

Unfortunately, a subpar performance in the postseason has made Russell's regular season success irrelevant in the eyes of skeptics. He played well at times, scoring 23 points, six assists and seven three-point field goals in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets and dropping 21 points in Game 4, but those performances resulted in an 0-of-7 attempt in a decisive loss in game 3.

While Russell faces another season that could precede a change of venue, the 2023/24 season has become an unfortunate reminder of the events of the 2018/19 season.

Without Russell, the Lakers probably wouldn't have made the playoffs in the first place – just like the Nets. In addition to his success during the regular season, he dropped 21 points and six assists in the Lakers' 110-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament.

It's a conveniently glossed over fact that seems to ignore the reality that Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined to shoot 12 of 36 from the field during the play-in tournament.

Despite the successes Russell has found, the spirit of his Brooklyn era continues to haunt him. No matter how well he plays during the regular season and even in the play-in tournament, his postseason weaknesses have caused teams to underestimate his overall contributions.

As Russell tries to make the most of what could be his final season in Los Angeles, he must find a way to overcome the ghost he cannot escape.

Failing this could mean having to find a new home again.