Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell underwent a “tune-up” procedure yesterday, per head coach Darvin Ham.
According to Ham, the procedure was preplanned.
The NBA trade deadline is tomorrow. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Russell’s name has been mentioned in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks in recent weeks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference with a record of 27-25. Russell is averaging 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists on the season while shooting 46.5% from the field, 41.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
A one-time All-Star, Russell is making $17.3 million this season. He has a player option worth $18.7 million for next season.
“I mean, I can’t control that my contract makes sense to be traded either,” Russell said after the Lakers beat the Charlotte Hornets on February 5. “So I mean, just play. You can’t control that. Once again, I don’t care at all.”
Russell waived his implied no-trade clause last offseason when he re-signed with the Lakers. The Ohio State product, who has played for the Lakers, Nets, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, has been traded four times in his career.
“I just thought it made sense,” Russell said when asked why he waived his implied no-trade clause with the Lakers. “Obviously, I’ve been here before. I played for the Lakers before. So I know what the requirements are to be successful here are. So if you’re part of the future here, you’ll be successful. If you’re not, you’ll get traded. And I’ve been traded before here. So my approach is just a little different.
“I really just genuinely, humbly don’t care because I know I can’t control it, one. And two, I just won’t allow my mind to go there. I like to focus on this and you guys see how I’ve been focusing on basketball and not comments and what’s trending on social.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Over his last 13 games, Russell is averaging 24.0 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 46.6% overall and 46.6% from 3. The Lakers have a big decision to make with the Louisville native.
