D'Angelo Russell was the surprise pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft, believed to be the best guard available from the rookie class.

And while he has yet to prove that claim, it seems that he has gotten himself into trouble early without the season even starting yet.

This, of course, has to do with that tweet where he called retired NBA player Tracy McGrady the "Greatest of All Time (GOAT)." The said Twitter message has since been deleted. 

The tweet, harmless as it may seem, although it depends on how one takes it, drew the ire of fans. Some felt that the tweet was a bit offensive especially for the Kobe Bryant followers.

The issue has since died down and settled but Russell nevertheless sheds more light on the controversial tweet.

"There's a lot of spoiled Lakers fans. I wasn't downgrading Kobe at all," Russell said via the Los Angeles Daily News. "I was just watching a highlight tape of Tracy McGrady and I got excited. I tweeted and the whole state of California went crazy."

Well, the explanation could hold up or then again maybe not. Just the same, Russell's explanation seems to be reasonable. But being in the position he is right now, it could be a learning experience for the Laker rookie since he, is after, all one of the new faces and a high profile one at that.

High expectations ride on the shoulders of the rookie point guard heading into the 2015–16 NBA season.

Russell will likely get minimal exposure in the early goings, although all that could change if he shows off his game brilliance that many saw during his college stint.

It may take some time, but the Lakers have other guards who can manage for the time being. There is Jordan Clarkson, of course, the sophomore guard who surprised many when he stepped up for the Lakers last season.

But at some point, both are bound to play together. Once he proves he is as good as advertised, all things tied up with that overhyped GOAT tweet is bound to become a forgotten issue.