The decision of whether or not the Los Angeles Lakers should move D’Angelo Russell is quite a complex issue. Russell, selected second overall in the 2015 draft, played in LA for two years until being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Following the Nets, he got acquired by the Golden State Warriors, then the Minnesota Timberwolves, and now is back on the Lakers since being traded back in February of 2023. With head coach JJ Redick putting Russell to the bench, rumors have circulated once again to Russell being traded. The question is, should the Lakers trade him?
Lakers Trade Rumors: Is it Worth Moving D’Angelo Russell?
Russell offers some quite valuable skills. He is an effective playmaker, a capable scorer, and a veteran presence on a team with championship aspirations. His ability to run the offense and create plays for others, especially alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, gives the Lakers flexibility and depth. Additionally, his shooting range can stretch the floor. The trade market is slim and does not have many players to acquire that would upgrade the team.
With this, it makes it hard to see the purple and gold moving on from Russell. Russell’s valuable not just as an individual player, but his chemistry with superstars LeBron and AD is crucial. Trading a key role player that you’ve built chemistry with off the team could disrupt the balance the Lakers have acquired.
Redick & Russell On the Same Page
During a subpar five-game road trip, the Lakers took a clear step back after starting this season 3-0. Going 1-4 on their first trip had to not have sat well with Redick. Following the disappointing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, Redick moved Russell to the bench. Inserted into the starting lineup was Cam Reddish.
Following the win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Redick followed up in regards to the lineup change involving Russell.
“It’s all fluid… I just want to be clear, this is all very fluid, Listen, I was a player,” Redick said. “D-Lo and I talked about this, I’m not somebody who’s just gonna like overreact and have 19 (different starting lineups). Well, hopefully not. Hopefully we’re healthy… It required a lot of thought and to be honest with you, it also required removing emotion from it because there is a balance as a coach in trying to do what you believe is best for the group but also being empathetic and sensitive to each player and trying to maximize those players and empower those players and not mess up or sort of put something in their head about what they are or what they aren’t. There’s a really hard balance that I kind of had to work through. I came in this morning with the staff and we talked about it, it was part of our discussion for our coach’s meeting this morning. We all felt like it was the right thing to do for right now. And again, both of those guys were great tonight.”
Whether this starting group is together for the rest of the year or a handful of games, it is reassuring to see Redick being proactive when it comes to making changes. Russell seems to agree and following the game gave a positive response on the lineup change.
“I just want to win,” Russell said after scoring 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting with three assists off the bench on Sunday. “So whatever it took, change of plans, whatever it is, whatever Coach needs, try to get the win and be a part of that. I left all that, all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches and new staff came in, I was committed to whatever it takes to win.”
D'Angelo Russell:
"I just want to win. I left all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches”pic.twitter.com/dTks0JONmx
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) November 9, 2024
Last Word
The move Redick has made seems to work, at least for now. The Lakers are 2-0 with Russell off the bench. Russell’s sense of urgency along with his efficient play and acceptance of his role is positive to see. Pretty soon, Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt get back on the floor.
Many may disagree, but it seems moving Russell wouldn’t be the smartest move. It of course depends on what they could get in return. History amongst teams shows us that anytime a newcomer joins a team with two superstars, there’s always an adjustment period. That is something the Lakers don’t want especially when they have injured players returning. It would create a lot of uncertainty and disruption for the team moving forward. We are to see moving forward, if any more rumors circulate and if the Lakers will trade or keep D’Angelo Russell.
