There’s to be a lot of noise surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Between the rumors of new head coaches, drafting Bronny James, and ultimately who will re-sign with the purple and gold. One of the biggest parts is what guard D’Angelo Russell is going to do and his potential new team this offseason. He has a contract option and the ability to opt out of his $18 million deal for next season. Many are expecting just that to happen.
Lakers Rumors: Potential New Team for D’Angelo Russell
Russell’s Play with the Lakers
Russell had been great for the Lakers since being acquired in the trade deadline in 2023. That package sent D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley to the Lakers. During that small stint of time in 2023, his scoring capabilities helped turn the Lakers’ season around and got them to the Western Conference Finals. Ultimately, falling short to the Denver Nuggets in what would be a sweep.
Russell played great this past regular season averaging 18 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on .456, .415, .828 spilts. But, yet again Russell would fall short when it came playoff time. He averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on .384, .381, . 500 splits. The Lakers would face off against the Nuggets again in the first round to lose the series in five games.
Potential New Destination
As Russell’s name was only in a few conversation talks regarding the 2024 mid-season trade market, there won’t be much expectation from other teams to acquire Russell this offseason. Assuming he does opt out of his contract, there is a new team on the horizon that’s been involved in conversation. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report has mentioned “a new team in the mix, one that would need the Lakers’ help to acquire Russell”.
Russell previously played for the Brooklyn Nets from the 2017-2019 season. He would then be traded to the Warriors for half a season before being dealt to the Timberwolves. After two and a half seasons, Russell was eventually traded back to the Lakers where he got drafted. According to Pincus, the Nets would have to do a sign-and-trade with L.A. for Russell. This would help the Lakers get some attainable assets from Russell, rather than letting him go for nothing.
“That’s just one of many possibilities with the Nets, but that all hinges on Brooklyn chasing Russell, both sides agreeing to salary terms and the Lakers and Nets (or even a third team) finding a viable trade. The Lakers would be hard-capped at the second by sending out via sign-and-trade, and the Nets at the first.”
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Potential Paths for D’Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakershttps://t.co/6ITjqKFlnB— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) May 24, 2024
The Last Word
There still remains to be uncertainty on what Russell will do with his contract this offseason and where he might end up. It’s still uncertain as to whether the Brooklyn Nets will pursue Russell, but signs lean that way as they went after him during the trade deadline. With the Nets needing a guard, Russell could be the answer for them. For the Los Angeles Lakers, moving and trading D’Angelo remains the best option for future flexibility. Obtaining assets in exchange for Russell is key for the Lakers moving forward if they are to find Russell a new home.
