Even though the Lakers have won their fifth straight game, there’s no denying that some players are still thinking about their futures. In an interview with HoopsHype, star guard D’Angelo Russell recently discussed his mindset heading into the offseason, including whether or not he’d want to stay in the purple and gold.
D’Angelo Russell Reveals Mindset Heading into Free Agency
Russell’s Comments
Russell has been on a tear this season, so it’s no surprise that several teams will be eyeing him when free agency opens up this summer. He spoke to Mike Scotto on the pressure of playing in a contract year:
“It’s something that can eat a lot of people up in the league. A lot of people can be too high at times and too low at times, which causes an emotional roller coaster through the ups and downs of the season. For me, I wanted to control that. I wanted to stay sane and stay even-keeled through the ups and the downs.”
The fact that he kept that mentality while in the middle of trade rumors is another encouraging factor.
Russell also acknowledged his desire to remain a Laker next season, which is notable given the $18.7 million Player Option on the table. He told HoopsHype:
“I’d love to be here and continue to give it a run and be where my feet are now. Obviously, I’ve been on the other side of it, and I’ve been through the roller coaster of free agency and having to sit back and wait. I’m looking forward to not having to worry about that. I’ve been blessed enough to put myself in this position with my play. I’m definitely planning on taking advantage of that. When that time comes, I feel that everything will play out how it’s supposed to play out.”
In 67 games, the 6-foot-3 guard has averaged 18.3 points, 6.4 assists and 3 rebounds per game on .463/.425/.824 splits. He also etched his name into Laker history, becoming the franchise’s leader in three-pointers made for a season with 197 and counting.
What Russell’s Mentality Means for the Lakers
Russell’s position, from playing his way out of trade rumors to setting a season record, bodes very well for the Lakers. After several years, the team has found the perfect point guard next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Russell has shown he can complement the Lakers’ superstar duo perfectly and proved he can take over when one or both of them are out. The fact that he is eager to return next season—even when he could have multiple suitors in free agency—is promising for both the Lakers and their fanbase. For all the talk about getting Kyrie Irving or Trae Young, D’Lo has put those rumors to rest and appears to be LA’s guy going forward.
However, it’s too early to tell what LA’s cap space will look like—or if they’ll have any at all—depending on the decisions of Russell and James, among others. Still, D’Lo’s desire to come back could give the Lakers one less problem to worry about this summer.
