D’Angelo Russell had some sage advice for Ben Simmons as he prepares to enter the NBA: get rid of your phone.
In a hilarious new ad from Foot Locker, Simmons is looking for advice from last year’s draft class stars. Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns tells him drafting doesn’t mean anything unless you put in the work. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker lets him know nothing comes easy. When he asked Russell if he has any advice, the Lakers guard asks for his phone and promptly throws it into the ocean behind him and tells a bewildered Simmons “Trust me.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohJckDIpSPQ
Russell is obviously referring to the incident when he recorded Lakers teammate Nick Young bragging about cheating on then-fiancee rapper Iggy Azalea. That video somehow made its way into public consumption, and Russell was mocked around the league for snitching on Young.
He knows that a phone can harm your reputation, even if he didn’t intentionally release the video. The timing of the commercial couldn’t be more appropriate as Azalea called off her engagement to the Lakers guard this week and threw his belongings to the curb.
It’s a funny, self-referential ad. Russell has long been scrutinized for recording the video and he’s making the ugly situation into a positive. Relaying the important information not to be a dummy on your phone is probably some of the best advice Simmons will get as he enters the NBA.
