Earlier reports have indicated that Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell will likely decline his $18.7 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Now, the odds for Russell’s 2024-25 team are live. The current betting favorite to land Russell is the Atlanta Hawks (+250), per Bovada. Right behind Atlanta is the Chicago Bulls and Lakers, both at +400 odds.
D’Angelo Russell’s 2024-25 team odds, per @BovadaOfficial
Atlanta Hawks +250
Charlotte Hornets +400
Los Angeles Lakers +400
Chicago Bulls +500
Los Angeles Clippers +500
Portland Trail Blazers +700
Washington Wizards +1000
Utah Jazz +1600
Any European Team +2500
Guangdong… pic.twitter.com/hDNmuSOCP8— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 26, 2024
This report comes just one day after Russell’s zero-point performance in Game 3 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets. In the game, the 28-year-old went 0-for-7 from the field, including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Russell recorded three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Last month, Russell spoke about wanting to remain with the Lakers past this season.
“I’d love to be here and continue to give it a run and be where my feet are now,” Russell told HoopsHype. “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.”
Los Angeles Lakers Guard’s 2024-25 Team Odds Revealed
A D’Angelo Russell-Trae Young Swap Could Make Sense
For much of the season, expectations were that the Hawks would move from either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray. Currently, it appears likely that it will be Young who is on the move. Furthermore, the Lakers are a team that has recently been linked to Young. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha said Young is “probably the most realistic” star the Lakers can acquire to team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Buha also mentioned that acquiring Young could affect Russell’s “situation” with the Lakers.
“Yes, they are,” Buha said when asked if the Lakers are going to chase a third star. “And I can confirm that from multiple sources. They are going third-star hunting this offseason. And we’ll see how that affects the D-Lo (D’Angelo Russell) situation. We’ll see how — you probably have to give up Austin [Reaves] in almost any…third-star trade. … Now, who’s available? The one name I continually hear is Trae Young. He’s been to Laker playoff games before. He’s a Klutch Sports client. That’s probably the most realistic one right now.”
A sign-and-trade that allows the Lakers and Hawks to swap guards could be in play this offseason.
What D’Angelo Russell Brings to the Court
Russell enjoyed the best shooting season of his career this season. The Ohio State alum shot a career-high 41.5% from the three-point line and averaged 18 points per game. Additionally, Russell has consistently shown he can create his own shot. However, he is not much of a defender and can be streaky at times. Still, he is a solid secondary option and is only just 28 years old.
