According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers may not trade D’Angelo Russell anymore.
Russell has played very well since being reinserted back into the starting lineup on January 13.
“D’Angelo Russell, playing the way he’s played over the last several weeks, I think has changed the view of it in LA,” Woj said on his podcast. “I’m not saying that it’s not impossible for them to trade D’Angelo Russell. I think it is far less likely.”
Over his last 13 games, Russell is averaging 24.0 points and 6.5 assists for the Lakers while shooting 46.6% overall and 46.6% from 3. According to NBA insider 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
Russell waived his implied no-trade clause last offseason when he re-signed with the Lakers. The lefty is averaging 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists this season while shooting 46.5% from the field, 41.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
“I mean, I can’t control that my contract makes sense to be traded either,” Russell said. “So I mean, just play. You can’t control that. Once again, I don’t care at all.”
The Lakers are interested in acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Hawks, Bruce Brown from the Raptors and Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets. Russell would be traded if a deal happened because of how his contract is structured, but it sounds like the Ohio State product may survive the trade deadline.
Russell has played for the Lakers, Nets, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s been traded by every team he’s been on.
“I really just genuinely, humbly don’t care because I know I can’t control it, one,” Russell said. “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
The Lakers are in ninth place in the West with a record of 27-25. Russell is third on the team in points per game.
