When D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis shared the floor in Los Angeles, their connection was immediate. Davis once said, “Me and D-Lo literally talked the entire game about pick-and-roll, what he likes, what I like… build that chemistry on the fly.” That communication turned into results, as the Lakers went 72–43 with the duo active, winning more than 62% of their games.
That partnership wasn’t just talk. Russell’s ability to find Davis in the pick-and-roll gave the Lakers a reliable offensive set, while Davis trusted Russell’s spacing and timing. The numbers reflected it too: Russell boosted the Lakers’ offense by +1.4 points per 100 possessions and increased their effective field goal percentage by nearly two percent when he was on the floor.
Fast forward to the 2025–26 season, and the Mavericks are betting on that same chemistry to make a difference. Dallas signed Russell to a two-year, $13 million deal this offseason, expecting him to hold down the point guard spot while Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL. At 29, Russell has the experience to steady an offense that features Davis, Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II.
The advantage for Dallas is that Russell and Davis won’t need much time to figure each other out—they’ve already done that. Their pick-and-roll rhythm should immediately translate to Jason Kidd’s system, giving the Mavericks a foundation to build around until Irving returns.
And when Irving is back? That’s when things get interesting. Russell will likely move to the bench, but that shift could open the door for something bigger: a run at Sixth Man of the Year. His skill set—clutch shooting, playmaking, and poise—fits perfectly in a high-impact reserve role. Last season, Russell shot over 42% in clutch situations and showed he could swing games in late moments. On a Mavericks roster with championship aspirations, that kind of bench spark will be invaluable.
For Dallas, the reunion of Russell and Davis isn’t just a storyline—it’s a weapon. Analysts may underestimate it now, but their proven chemistry could be the surprise that pushes the Mavericks deeper into contention. In a league where fit matters as much as talent, the Russell–Davis dynamic might be the surprise that puts Dallas over the top.
