"Dodged a bullet": Fans react as Lithuania shuts door on D'Angelo Russell joining national team

D'Angelo Russell's sudden interest in competing for Lithuania's national basketball team received a lukewarm response from the Lithuanian Basketball Federation. The federation announced, as per BasketNews, that it will not pursue naturalization for the American-born guard nor involve him with the national team.

"Recent media speculation in Lithuania about Russell potentially joining the team lacks any factual basis. The LKF has neither initiated a naturalization process nor communicated with Russell on this matter," the LKF said in a statement.

This decision comes despite D'Angelo Russell's publicly expressing his interest.

Fans on social media had their say on the denial, with one on Instagram writing he was glad the Lithuanian national team "dodged a bullet."

Fan comment on D'Angelo Russell's Lithuania request denial (via IG/@basketnews)

The Twitterverse also had its say as some fans were sad for the Lakers guard.

"thanks for the woulda, coulda, shoulda. Waiting for a text of how Russel feels after these devastating news," a fan wrote.

"every other NT would have taken this dude but of course we gonna sleep on it," a fan commented.

"Lithuania must want to keep losing," another fan commented.

However, not all fans on X were as sympathetic.

"This is what makes Lithuania and Serbia have a backbone, actually have self worth, respect and be proud of their nation," a fan commented.

"I have no idea if this is a joke or not, but I love it," another fan wrote.

"The only thing i respect about Lithuania," a fan also wrote.

LFK President Mindaugas Balciunas told BasketNews that the decision was based on the federation's focus on developing its talent pool. He also said that basketball-related decisions are handled by the coaching staff.

The idea of D'Angelo Russell playing for Lithuania was initially presented to the country's president by the parents of Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis. Russell's partner, Laura Ivaniukas, was his link to the country as she is of Lithuanian origin.

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D'Angelo Russell struggles under coach JJ Redick

D'Angelo Russell's performance under LA Lakers rookie coach JJ Redick has been surprisingly subpar. Redick praised Russell in the offseason, but the guard's numbers have suffered under his guidance.

D'Angelo Russell struggles under coach JJ Redick - Source: Imagn

Russell's averages under Redick – 11.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists – are the worst in his career. And with his contract expiring in 2025, there is speculation that he might seek a trade or consider other options to secure a big payday in free agency.