Louisville native, NBA guard D'Angelo Russell gives back to the courts, neighborhood that made him

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Algonquin Park is getting some much needed attention, thanks to a Louisville native turned NBA star.

D'Angelo Russell is giving back to the courts that made him the player he is today.

The LA Lakers star takes the time to take pictures with anyone who asks, and plenty of people at Algonquin Park on Friday were asking.

"Having him come back is probably the biggest thing for this neighborhood," said Steven Jones.

Russell handles the basketball like someone who has been on the park's court before — because he has.

"Yeah yeah yeah, rain, sleet, and snow," he said.

Russell grew up within walking distance of Algonquin Park, which is why he made a $100,000 donation to the city in March to make improvements there.

"I didn't have the opportunity to go to a gym, or something like that, so for me, redoing the court was something I really prioritized because I know you may not have access to a gym, and having a nice court is always good," he said.

The court was painted black, and features his brand logo at center court.

"D'Angelo blessed us with the best rim in sports," said Jones, remembering the old courts — and the backboards and rims that were even older.

For the better part of the afternoon, the court was open to anyone with a basketball or the desire to shoot around.

"It is an amazing, it is a beautiful thing, him being from here and giving back is amazing. It is a blessing," said Rob Norwood.

Russell remembers when the court was essentially his best friend. The long hours of just him, a basketball and the pavement.

He would go on to play at Ohio State for a year before being drafted by the Lakers, traded a few times and landing back in LA in 2023. He's currently listed as a guard for the team, and just posted the best number of his professional career.

"Honestly, it is a small gesture for me to give back to where I grew up, where I started, inspired me, it is nothing for me to do that, so why not start where I started," he said.

Russell led the countdown as he and a handful of friends cut the ribbon on the new court, opening for the next generation of basketball stars.

Related Stories: