With the 2024 offseason coming to a close, rumors continue to circulate surrounding Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell. Since being acquired in the 2023 trade deadline, Russell has received a lot of criticism towards his game. He has been the primary target in regards to any trades. Although his name is brought up and linked to many trades, the Lakers organization and Rob Pelinka should be quite patient and act correctly if they are to move on from Russell. Parting ways with D’Angelo may not be the wisest decision.
Why the Lakers Should Not Trade D’Angelo Russell
Before the 2024 trade deadline, Russell was being linked in trade rumors with Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. During this span of several weeks, Russell seemed to use this noise as motivation for his game. Through January of this year, Russell averaged 27 points per game on efficient shooting percentages of 60.9% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. This was after he was placed back into the starting lineup after being benched for several games. This disruptive noise surrounding his game and name deemed to ignite a spark in Russell, which carried throughout the rest of the season. Russell proved to have one of his better performance years playing with the Lakers. He recently picked up his $18.7 million player option to stay in LA.
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is picking up his $18.7 million player option for next season to stay in LA, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/H44wduSZL3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Trading Ruins Chemistry Built
Over the past several seasons now, you’ve acquired a prominent guard in Russell, one who has created quite a bit of chemistry alongside Lebron James and Anthony Davis. To stay in playoff contention, it seems that building a mold and sticking to a core seems to be successful for many teams. The Denver Nuggets being a great example. Their core has been around for several seasons. Russell also has a good relationship outside of basketball with guard Austin Reaves. Continuously trying to trade and alter a team can be detrimental to its past success that they’ve built.
Ultimately, the goal is a championship-caliber team. The Lakers were a series win away of achieving this in the 2023 playoffs, falling short to a sweep by the Denver Nuggets. Over the past two seasons after acquiring Russell, it hasn’t been a complete bust. Both years they’ve entered the playoffs falling short to the Nuggets. If they are to stick to their core, build even more chemistry and stay healthy as a team, this year could look more successful.
Significant Cost & Risk
Getting a worthwhile return for Russell has been an issue for the Lakers. Any upgrade or trade that the purple and gold would make will come at a cost the Lakers are reluctant to pay. The problem the Lakers continue to run into is the acquisition they want in return. Teams are wanting their young core they’ve acquired and built. Players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura are in the mix with Russell to get a so called “upgrade” at the point guard position. Teams are also wanting to acquire the Lakers’ first-round picks in 2029 and 2031.
In such a situation, it would be better if the Lakers traded one of their draft picks separately and still by keeping guard Russell. Trading Russell is not worth all the risk and cost. It would be better if D’Angelo continued playing for the Purple and Gold.
Don't trade D'angelo Russell just to trade him.
He was the third best player in the team. The best shooter. The second best passer.
18-6-4 in average defense in incredible shooting splits.
Idc that he can't play Vs the nuggets. Don't give him away.
He has no value. https://t.co/4tPNnKsExw
— LakerTalks (@LakerTalks) July 26, 2024
The Last Word
As the Lakers navigate the trade landscape, I believe that they must make a significant move in order to trade D’Angelo Russell. The question arises as to why disrupt a positive contributor and dynamic player that helped this team at the 2023 deadline get to the Western Conference Finals?
While myself and others are for keeping Russell, that could all change if the purple and gold. That is, if they can trade for a player who could make LA an immediate contention for a championship. It might be worth exploring a trade if it can secure such a player and elevate the team’s championship aspirations. However, in regards to the team’s chemistry, cost and risk in moving Russell, it seems the Lakers organization will be quite patient and decisive before doing so.
