Things are still rocky with once teammates Nick Young, and D’Angelo Russell. Photo Credit: Jonathan Bachman
Trying to put things behind and moving on in life sounds very positive. However, it is not always that easy and simple to let go of the past, especially when a particular incident has had a life-changing impact on your life.
The same was the case with Nick Young, whose entire life took a 180° turn following the despicable act of his teammate.
The beginning
In 2015-16: Nick Young and D’Angelo Russell were part of the historical Los Angeles Laker Team in the NBA. Both were at the beginning of their careers and doing pretty well at the highest level. The two were very close friends as well.
Young was engaged to the famous Australian Rapper Iggy Azalea, and the two had been making plans for a dream wedding in 2016. While the two had been dating each other for the past 3 years, they planned on getting married. Both seemed very excited about the prospects of a marriage.
The Disastrous Video Leak
On 30th March 2016, a disastrous video emerged on the internet. In that video, Nick Young could be seen confessing to his teammate Russell that he had cheated on his fiance with various women. It has been reported that the video was purposefully recorded by Russell, who lured Young into admitting his infidelity.
Following that, the relationship between Young, and Iggy became strained. It was only a matter of time, before the apparent dream couple called things off after Young was found guilty in that leaked video footage.
The End
Things didn’t end well as both the stars announced the news of their split in June 2016. Within a few months, things had turned upside down as Russell’s mistake left Young in hot waters. While both were wrong in their ways, it is yet to be decided whose crime was bigger.
Iggy Azalea even tweeted a thank you to Russell, bringing the truth to the surface.
Iggy Azalea thanks D'Angelo Russell for leaked video of Nick Young. –> https://t.co/snjb15fGc1 pic.twitter.com/hM0QlD76Wv — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) March 30, 2016
Impact on Lakers
Both the players were members of the Lakers squad, and the incident severely hurt the team’s chemistry. However, there wasn’t much that could be done about it.
Young Forgives D’Angelo
Later, Nick Young announced that he had forgiven Russell for leaking his video and wanted to put the past behind him. Following that, the two players would remain with the Lakers for the rest of the season. In 2017, both Young and Russell, were traded to different teams. Young went to the Warriors while Russell became a part of the Brooklyn Nets.
Young wants to punch Russel in his face
The incident came to the surface again recently as Nick Young made a reference to the incident in one of his recent interviews. Sports Illustrated, Chris Mannix invited Nick Young for an interview. During the interview, Mannix asked Young to name one player from the NBA whom he would like to box in the ring.
While the question blunt, and asked for the sake of fun, Young responded with the following remarks, “Of course. You know, D’Lo. D’Angelo Russell.”
This response was enough to bring the six years old matter back to life as the fans and experts entered the debate. It was obvious that Young had not entirely let go of it. To a certain extent it is justifiable since the betrayal had such long-lasting effects.
D’Angelo Russell responded to the incident with the following tweet.
“My name keep dude relevant, and I’m going to grave with, I ain’t do that shit.”
My name keep dude relevant, and I’m going to grave with “I ain’t do that shit”#CarryOn — D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) September 4, 2022
It is apparent the flame still burns between the two.
The whole thing was heartbreaking as the two good friends parted their ways. But that’s just the way life is!