In a decision that could have a ripple effect in the coming weeks, D’Angelo Russell plans to pick up his $18.7 million option to play for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, according to multiple reports.
Russell averaged 18 points (on 46/42/83 shooting splits), 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game last season, helping the Lakers to a 47-35 record and seventh place in the Western Conference. His scoring average dropped to 14.2 points (38/32/50) in the playoffs, where the Lakers lost in the first round to Denver.
“I like some JJ [Redick, the Lakers’ new head coach] is taking over and I really see myself flourishing under his leadership to help win at a high level,” Russell told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about his decision to participate.
Russell is a good pick-and-roll ball-handler and even made an All-Star team in 2019, but his production has historically fallen sharply in the playoffs, where his defensive limitations have also been exploited.
The Lakers traded Russell Westbrook and a 2027 first-round draft pick in the deal that brought Russell back to Los Angeles at the 2023 trade deadline. They signed Russell to a two-year, $36 million contract last summer and reportedly sold him at the February trade deadline, when they had their eyes on Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. The Hawks have shown no interest in Russell, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
But Lakers guard Austin Reaves was among those who wanted Russell to stay in LA
“I want him to be there,” Reaves told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype in April. “He’s probably my best friend on the team. We hang out a lot off the court and play golf. We communicate all the time and play Call of Duty together. He’s been one of my best friends since I’ve been in the NBA. His basketball game speaks for itself with how talented he is and what he can do for our group. We need him to be at our best. When he’s at his best, we’re going to be at our best. Anything we can do or anything I can do to help him stay in there, I’m definitely going to try to do.”
The basketball world watched Russell’s decision. By opting in, the Lakers could still include his mid-level contract in the trade negotiations. By opting out, he could control his own basketball destiny, even if it meant paying him less than his $18.7 million starting salary next season. I think we know where his priorities lie.
