Former Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell and three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee are joining forces with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association. The pair, who both played for the Lakers in different seasons, will suit up for the CBA's reigning champions as they look to reignite their careers overseas. This move comes as the current Lakers roster builds momentum, having just secured a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets on May 2, 2026, as part of a 3W-2L recent run.
For D'Angelo Russell, this is a chance to reset. The 30-year-old guard was a free agent after the Memphis Grizzlies released him. Playing a season in China could help him earn another NBA contract. He's shared the court with legends like LeBron James and Steph Curry. Now he adds a new chapter with the Sharks.
JaVale McGee brings a wealth of playoff experience. He won titles with the Golden State Warriors and the Lakers. His shot-blocking and energy in the paint will be a major asset for Shanghai. McGee played outside the NBA last year too, so he's familiar with adapting to a new league.
The pairing prompted some playful comments from another Lakers legend. Dwight Howard joked about the duo on social media, calling them the "Shaq and Kobe of China." It highlights the unexpected nature of this team-up. Russell and McGee were never teammates in the NBA, though they both wore the purple and gold.
Their combined NBA experience is a huge get for the Shanghai Sharks. The team just won the CBA championship and adding two proven veterans makes them instant favorites again. Russell's perimeter scoring and playmaking paired with McGee's interior defense creates a potent pick-and-roll combination.
While alumni move abroad, the present-day Lakers are focused on their own campaign. Their recent form shows a team finding its rhythm. After a 98-78 win over Houston on May 2, their last five results read WLLWW. That sequence included a tight 112-108 road win against the Rockets on April 25 and a 101-94 home victory three days prior.
Consistency will be key for the Lakers as they push forward. The team's performance in this stretch, balancing wins and losses, defines the grind of an NBA season.
For Russell and McGee, the goal is simpler: play basketball at a high level. This CBA season offers them a prominent role on a championship squad. It's a fresh start far from the NBA spotlight, but their connection to the Los Angeles Lakers franchise remains a big part of their stories.
