The next domino in the Lakers’ offseason has fallen. After months of speculation, point guard D’Angelo Russell has formally made a decision on his $18.7 million Player Option next season.
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell told @JordanRichardSC that he plans to exercise his $18.7 million player option and return for next season https://t.co/twqBxQh1V6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell’s Decision is Official
Lakers Retain Key Piece
Russell is coming off of a polarizing campaign that saw him average 18 points and six assists on .456/.415/.828 splits in 76 regular season games. He once again proved his worth as a dependable scorer and playmaker next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. DLo also had several scoring explosions, logging five games with 30 points or more and 29 games scoring 20-plus. His clutch moments also helped save the Lakers at several points throughout the year, including timely threes against the Warriors and Bucks.
While Russell’s postseason struggles are a knock on his tenure with LA, Rob Pelinka and co. retaining him was a key move with a relatively thin free agent market, particularly at point guard. Had the Lakers lost Russell, there wouldn’t have been many better alternatives, and they would’ve likely had to settle for whoever they could afford. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case, and the two sides will continue this partnership once more. Under head coach JJ Redick, there’s no doubt Russell can improve further with a more consistent role and with a leader who can hold him accountable when needed.
D’Angelo Russell to ESPN on his decision to opt in for the final year of his contract with the Lakers for $18.7 million: “I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 29, 2024
Not the Only Player Option Exercised
The Lakers received even more good news late Friday night, as rotational center Jaxson Hayes also exercised his Player Option, worth $2.6 million. Hayes averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds on 72% shooting from the field and 62% from the stripe. His return adds to LA’s center depth and gives them another lob threat off the bench. Another bonus? Hayes will reunite with a former teammate in Redick. The duo previously played together on the Pelicans from 2019 to 2021.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is exercising his $2.4 million player option to return for the 2024-25 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hayes reunites with new coach JJ Redick. pic.twitter.com/FCmbZAWwoK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Next Steps
Following the decisions of Russell and Hayes, the next—and arguably most important—step for the Lakers is waiting on LeBron to decide on his player option. Previous reports indicated that James would opt out but remain open to returning to the Lakers, who would be able to offer him, at most, a three-year, $160 million deal. Now that the team has LeBron’s son, Bronny, as a second-round pick, it could increase his chances of extending his time in the purple and gold.
For now, the Lakers have a little less work to do by retaining Russell and Hayes, filling slots at two key positions with players who give the team much-needed continuity with the potential to improve under Redick’s leadership.
