LA Lakers salary cap implications after D'Angelo Russell $18.7 million opt-in: Breaking down team’s cap flexibility

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell plans to exercise his $18.7 million player option, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. This will have serious implications on the team's salary cap, as they will now have to tread the trade waters carefully to save up on taxes.

The Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft and will offer him a rookie bird contract.

ESPN's front office insider, Bobby Marks, did a breakdown of the Lakers' cap space. With Knecht on board and Russell opting for his contract, the Lakers will be over the $178.1 million first apron, but they will be $4.8 million below the $189.6 million second apron, giving them a slight cushion.

*He excluded the veteran minimum and second-round draft picks from his calculations.

If the Lakers try to acquire any more high-profile players, they could face a penalty as per the NBA rulebook.

D'Angelo Russell shows belief in JJ Redick after opting-in

D'Angelo Russell said he believes in the LA Lakers' new head coach, JJ Redick after deciding to stay with the Lakers.

"I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level," Russell told Dave McMenamin from ESPN.

Many believed the Lakers star would opt out of his contract and force the franchise to offer him a bigger deal. However, the reason for him to stay may have to do with the recruitment of a new head coach.

The Lakers announced JJ Redick as their new head coach after dismissing Darwin Ham. Compared to Ham, Redick is new in this role but the higher-ups at Lakers management have shown belief in the former NBA star.

Redick has been having conversations with the players on the Lakers squad since taking over as their head coach. So it is safe to assume that he and Russell may have had a conversation that might have influenced D'Lo's decision.