Everyone is a walking commercial these days, but the NBA will have none of it unless it’s under their terms.
After the Lakers’ victory over the Grizzlies in Game 3, guard D’Angelo Russell went to the podium with hopes of promoting a new sporting drink during the interview.
“That drink. Put it down,” a Lakers spokesperson said to a confused Russell, who replied, “Why?”
“It’s not one of our partners,” the spokesperson said. “But it’s my partner,” Russell rebutted.
“You’re gonna have to fine me. Coco5,” as Russell plugged the brand.
D’Angelo Russell was visibly annoyed at having to remove his Coco5 drink at the press conference. TwitterThe woman walked over to Russell, standing over him as he shook his head.
He said, “You’re gonna have to take it,” Russell and the media members chuckled as they pulled the drink from sight.
As the press conference came to a close, Russell said “Coco5” several more times, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Coco5 drink was removed from the press conference as D’Angelo Russell continued to promote it. TwitterNaturally, this promotion ends up being the best in the company’s history.
The video has millions of impressions and has been viewed more than 580,000 times as of Sunday night.
Russell is a partner in the sports drink company along with the Suns’ Devin Booker, the Knicks’ Derrick Rose, Charles Barkley, and others.
D’Angelo Russell, #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers, talks to the media after Round 1 Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. NBAE via Getty ImagesCoco5 is owned by Loop Capital Markets founder James Reynolds.
Russell had 17 points and seven assists for the Lakers in the win.
The NBA has not yet announced whether they actually will fine Russell for the promotion of a non-NBA partner.
