Former Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell has signed with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association, a move that signals a likely end to his 11-year NBA career. The news broke on Wednesday, just days after the Memphis Grizzlies waived the 30-year-old veteran. Russell's departure overseas coincides with the Lakers' current playoff campaign, where they recently beat the Houston Rockets 98-78 on May 2, 2026.
Russell's decision to join the Shanghai Sharks makes him the latest veteran to choose a prominent role in the CBA over a potential end-of-bench spot in the NBA. He was the No. 2 overall pick by the Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft, brought in to be a franchise cornerstone.
His time in Los Angeles was also marked by significant off-court controversy. In 2016, Russell secretly recorded a conversation with Lakers teammate Nick Young, which damaged trust within the locker room. Analyst Grant Young noted this incident created a breach that Russell never fully overcame, contributing to the narrative around his career.
Why it matters for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers organization has moved on, but Russell's story remains a notable chapter in the team's recent history. His exit to China closes the book on a player who was once central to the team's rebuilding plans. The current Lakers squad is focused on its own path, having posted a 3-2 record in its last five games (WLLWW). That run included a tight 112-108 win over these same Rockets on April 25, 2026, before the decisive 20-point victory on May 2.
Fans can track the team's ongoing playoff journey and remaining matchups on our schedule page. The team's recent form shows resilience, bouncing back from two losses to secure two consecutive wins.
For D'Angelo Russell, the next step is integrating with a Shanghai Sharks team that won the CBA title last season. It is unclear if he will seek a return to the NBA, but this move strongly suggests his days in the league are finished. For the Lakers, attention is squarely on the present. The playoff series against Houston has been a battle, with the Rockets taking games on April 27 (115-96) and April 30 (99-93).
The Lakers' ability to respond, like in the 101-94 win on April 22, 2026, will define their postseason. Russell's overseas move is a distant subplot as the team prepares for its next challenge, aiming to build on momentum from that 98-78 result to close the series.
