At the NBA trade deadline, D’Angelo Russell was one of the many players the Los Angeles Lakers brought in to shake up their roster. The former All-Star was drafted No. 2 overall by the organization back in 2015 but traded him away after his second season.
Since coming back to LA, Russell has had a good run with the Lakers. Through nine postseason games, he is the team’s third-leading scorer behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Russell’s averages currently sit at 16.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
This is a big year for Russell in more ways than one. Not only does he find himself alongside LeBron James in a playoff run, but he is a free agent at the end of this season. Meaning the pressure is on to perform well before free agency gets underway.
During a recent interview, Russell talked about his impending free agency. He admitted that he’d like to stay with the Lakers going forward but also would have been happy if he was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I would love to stay here, but I would have loved to be in Minnesota, too,” Russell told The Athletic’s Sam Amick. “So wherever my feet are, that’s where I’m gonna be.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Depending on what kind of contract he is looking for, Russell might find a home with the Lakers. His skill set provides what their roster makeup needs at the guard position.
Since LeBron James is such an elite playmaker, he is the one typically setting up the offense. This means the Lakers need guards who be threats with or without the ball. Following the trade deadline, Russell knocked down close to 42% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If Russell can continue to be a valuable piece alongside the team’s stars, LA is sure to try and retain him this offseason. The question will be if he’ll be willing to take a slight pay cut so the front office can build a roster that can contend for a title.
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