Lakers' D'Angelo Russell makes feelings known on potential trade 

Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell's future in LA doesn't seem guaranteed. He's not off to the best start and was demoted to the bench eight games into the season. Russell is averaging 12.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists, shooting 40.2%, including 31.3% from 3. The Lakers are 7-4 but seemingly need upgrades to their roster.

Russell's expiring $18.6 million contract makes him the likeliest trade candidate on the roster when the team decides to make moves. The veteran point guard isn't new to this news. He expected it last season, and nothing has changed in that regard this year. Russell explained the difference in his mentality in 2023 and this season during the latest episode of his podcast.

"Year 9 was last year. You take in there could be a new coach at any point - you can be traded at any point. Going in it, I’m going out with a bang - I’m shooting all my shots. I’m doing how I want to do it," Russell said on "The Backyard Podcast." (2:12)

"Year 10, not that. Let’s do it the right way. If you’re going out, go out the right way. It may not be 25 points per game, 8 assists per game, having a high usage, but showing a different route. Just a different approach. I’m committed to it - ups and downs."

D'Angelo Russell has shown the commitment he's boasted about since Media Day. He's trying to adapt to coach JJ Redick's system by playing more off the ball. Russell's usage rate has dropped to 19.6% (22.2% last season), leading to his drop in production.

He didn't look comfortable in that role, forcing Redick to move him to the bench, where he has upped his usage rate and played more in pick-and-rolls.

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Lakers unbeaten since JJ Redick moved D'Angelo Russell to the bench

Amid a rough start, there are some positives for D'Angelo Russell after JJ Redick moved him to the bench. He's in a more comfortable role compared to playing in the starting lineup with primary creators like Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Russell's numbers are also slightly up as a sixth man, averaging 13.7 ppg, shooting 47.1% and 36.8% from 3. His move to the bench has improved the overall bench production, too. With a more reliable point-of-attack defender next to him like Gabe Vincent, Russell has thrived off that adjustment.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have found a great balance in their defensively struggling starting lineup and offensively weak bench by replacing Cam Reddish with D'Angelo Russell.

The Lakers are 3-0 since that tweak, with the second-best offense (124.4) and respectable defense (113.3), which is borderline top 15.