Young athletes have plenty to navigate while transitioning from the college to the professional level. It's unfortunate when those closest to them put themselves in situations which can make things even harder.
D'Angelo Russell was selected with the second overall pick in this summer's NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, and he's projected by many to one day be a star. There is already enough pressure on the 19-year-old to immediately produce, and become a key part of a group that hopes to help Kobe Bryant return to the playoffs in what is likely to be his final season.
But before that journey even begins, he'll need to deal with his father's recent arrest.
According to a report from WHAS-TV in Louisville, 40-year-old Antonio Russell was arrested a few days ago after being pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. Police say they discovered a water bottle filled with red liquid which was later determined to be codeine, and also say that Russell admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle.
No word from either father or son just yet, but if there's a small bright side to all of this from D'Angelo's perspective, it's that he'll have some time to get his family situation in order, as training camp is still a full two months away.
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