After an off-season filled with Lakers trade rumors surrounding D’Angelo Russell, newly appointed head coach JJ Redick was quick to turn away further trade talks this week. This begs the question: Could LA still move Russell even if he’s having a good year?
Would Lakers Trade Third Star While Having Career Year?
Lakers Coach Redick Expects Career Year for D’Angelo Russell
Russell was the subject of many Lakers trade rumors and hypotheticals this summer. Those rumors followed a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Denver Nuggets. There were teams in the mix for the Lakers’ third star, like the Orlando Magic, for one. However, the Lakers star remains in a purple and gold uniform. If you take Redick’s word on the matter, he would have it remain that way.
Redick reiterated his thoughts on Russell and what he hopes to see from him this season during a joint media day press conference with Rob Pelinka.
“Throughout the summer, he was probably the guy I talked to the most … he’s going to have a major role on this team.”
Redick’s goal is to put Russell in a position to have a career year, and this is a good thing for Russell.
And If Russell Does Have a Career Year…What Then?
Russell is no stranger to trade rumors. Before this off-season, he was subject to trade talks throughout the 2023-24 season, even while playing quality basketball for the Lakers. For Russell, though, it has come down to his playoff performances that have kept the former NBA All-Star less in demand by other teams.
Suppose Russell comes out of the gate beside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves on fire. Does a career year in Redick’s mind include the playoffs as well? Or does a career year make finding a trade partner that much easier somewhere midseason? Remember, Russell did play really good ball last season. He averaged 18 points and shot 41.5% from three. He also pitched in 6.3 assists. Generally and statistically speaking, D’Lo was one of the Lakers’ best regular-season players last year. Despite his hot and cold tendencies, he is a pure scorer from anywhere on the floor and is not limited to one certain shot placement or look.
Russell is fully capable of repeating or improving on last year. That being said, the Lakers roster is still flawed, and Russell is the team’s most realistic trade piece. LA has shown commitment to Reaves by excluding him in any trade talks. As for LeBron and AD being thrown into trade speculations, not happening. They’re not going anywhere, no matter how many NBA pundits think LeBron should be traded for what the Lakers could get in return.
Player and Coach Off to a Good Start
Luckily for Russell, Redick clearly has his back. That could go a long way in the Lakers deciding to ride it out with Russell for the entire season or not. If Redick can change the narrative around Russell this season, it might be his ticket to wiping his name from the trade board. Russell has expressed nothing but positivity regarding Redick as his new coach. Their partnership is hopeful of leading to Russell having his best NBA year ever. Still, the question remains: would the Lakers trade their third star anyway?
