Russell was born on February 23, 1996, in Louisville, Kentucky, and grew up in a family that was passionate about basketball. His father, Antonio Russell, was a basketball coach, and his mother, Keisha Rowe, played basketball at the college level.

Russell's love for basketball was apparent from an early age, and he began playing organized basketball when he was just five years old. As he grew older, he developed a reputation as a top talent in the sport, and his skills caught the attention of scouts and recruiters from top colleges and universities around the country.

After spending his freshman year at Central High School in Louisville, Russell transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida for his sophomore season. There, he played alongside future NBA superstar Ben Simmons, and helped Montverde win back-to-back High School National Tournament championships. In addition, he was selected to play in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the country.

After a successful high school career, Russell committed to play college basketball at Ohio State University. During his freshman season, he established himself as one of the best players in the country, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. He also led the Buckeyes to the NCAA Tournament, where he helped the team advance to the second round.

Russell's outstanding play in college earned him a spot in the NBA draft, where he was selected with the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent two seasons with the Lakers before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he continued to shine on the court. In 2019, he signed with the Golden State Warriors, before being traded to the Timberwolves in 2020.