D’Angelo Russell’s name has been on the trading block for some time, and it seemed he was set to be traded. However, as the trade deadline comes to a close and with Russell’s recent play, the Los Angeles Lakers are questioning their decision.
Analyzing D’Angelo Russell’s Impactful Recent Play
Russell’s situation in LA for this season had major concerns, from getting off to a slow start in the early season to being benched in December. And recently, he’s been in continuous trade talks amongst several players. Russell’s contract is also very tradable and had been linked for weeks to a big star from the Atlanta Hawks, Dejounte Murray. Murray is a high-caliber scorer similar to Russell but brings more of a defensive impact on the floor. The Lakers, following the first In-Season Tournament win, had struggled tremendously. They went 3-10 and had the Lakers questioning if a move before the trade deadline was needed.
D’Angelo Russell’s Performance in January
Russell’s response to the trade rumors was to play his best basketball yet in a Lakers uniform. With rumors ramping up in January, a month away from the trade deadline, Russell proved his value and worth. He has averaged 23.8 points and 6.1 assists per game, shooting 50% from the field and 47.2% from the three-point line in January. For someone like Russell, who has had his inconsistencies, it’s perfect timing to show the Lakers his value and worth before thinking of trading him.
Poise and Maturity
Russell seems to have significantly matured and is using this to help this Lakers team win. The way Russell has been playing lately shows his poise in blocking out the negativity. Throughout interviews, Russell seems to have stopped caring about the trade rumors and the noise around his game. He emphasizes working around his team and gaining confidence in garnering wins for this Los Angeles team. He just wants to win.
In a postgame interview after the win in double overtime against the Golden State Warriors, Russell was asked about his composure over the past couple of weeks. Russell’s response was great:
“I just try to give the media a new headline, give them something to talk about, talk about trades all that, I mean you got to talk about me making shots at some point, so I just try to keep doing that.”
That “making shots” was a clutch transition three Russell had late in double overtime.
“I just try to give the media new headlines….talk about trades and all that. You gotta talk about me making shots at some point.”
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell speaks after scoring 28 points in the Lakers 2OT win over the Warriors.
🎥: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today pic.twitter.com/5YAoRBSAVs
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) January 28, 2024
The Last Word
Russell has played outstanding recently. His level of play seems to be shutting down any trade noise. He’s shooting the ball at a high rate while helping his teammates get involved using his playmaking abilities. Throughout Russell’s career, his best trait as a player might be his passing. However, his shotmaking and ability to take over stretches of a game by getting hot from the floor are two of his key attributes. This has elevated him throughout the years and is why he’s a star point guard. It’s great to see Russell’s career evolve, poise, and maturity through the trade talks. Russell’s impactful play and excellent production will be much needed for this Lakers team.
