D'Angelo Russell downplays Magic Johnson's parting shot: 'It's the past'

D'Angelo Russell was introduced to New York media Monday as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, and sounded like he's ready for a fresh start after two tumultuous seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I'm just excited to be here," Russell said, according to the New York Times' Malika Andrews, before acknowledging Lakers team president Magic Johnson's thinly-veiled shot at him on the way out of L.A.

"It's the past, so it's irrelevant, honestly."

Following last week's trade of Russell and Timofey Mozgov for Brook Lopez, Johnson told reporters that he needed "a leader" and someone "that players want to play with."

Russell, 21, is unquestionably a major talent. Yet he hasn't helped himself in terms of team chemistry with stunts like secretly videotaping former teammate Nick Young. He said Monday his focus is simply to get out and play.

"Me proving anybody wrong is not my focus," Russell said, according to Basketball Insiders' Michael Scotto. "That's another thing that's not really relevant to me ... I'm excited. Like I said, once I heard the trade happened I was surprised. I didn't look at it as a negative, I looked at it as a celebration and I can't wait to get in the gym with these guys and just learn from them."