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D'Angelo Russell is reportedly staying in Hollywood to play out his contract with the LA Lakers. “D-Lo” had an $18.7 million player option leading into the 2024-25 season. Per NBA insider Shams Charania, the point guard is opting into the final year of his contract.
The Lakers were rumored to have shopped the former All-Star in this year’s trade deadline. Teams weren’t lining up to snatch him after he spectacularly struggled in the 2023 Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka had no choice but to move forward when the return he was looking for was not on the table.
The failure to upgrade the point guard spot had a big role to play in the LA Lakers’ series loss to the Denver Nuggets this year. D'Angelo Russell was again repeatedly hunted by the former champs, a factor in the Mile High City’s 4-1 series win.
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Fans reacted to the news of Russell staying with the Lakers:
“this is the worst day in modern history”
One fan saw a glimmer of hope in the news:
“W trade his a**”
Another fan relished trolling the Lakers:
“Lakers will win the in-season tournament next season”
Somebody spelled out why Russell’s move was useless:
“Getting his spot took by bronny”
D'Angelo Russell’s decision to opt-in to his contract isn’t all gloom and doom for the LA Lakers. His $18.7 million contract will give Rob Pelinka more flexibility for a trade. With Jarred Vanderbilt's four-year, $48 million deal, LA has some assets to dangle to upgrade the roster.
JJ Redick could break D'Angelo Russell's heart
D'Angelo Russell, based on Dave McMenamin's report, opted into his contract as he could see himself "thriving under his [Redick's] guidance." The new Lakers coach might have to break the point guard's heart when all is said and done.
JJ Redick might find better value in Gabe Vincent as a two-way point guard. Before he was injured, Vincent’s defense, hustle and big-time plays helped the Miami Heat reach the 2023 NBA Finals. If healthy, he will bring the same assets to the table.
With Vincent in the starting point guard spot, the Lakers could look for more size and shooting. The team is reportedly interested in Trae Young but he will not come cheap and Rob Pelinka will likely sacrifice depth to get “Ice Trae.”
JJ Redick might try to see if he can get Jerami Grant to Hollywood. Pelinka could offer D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and two future first-round picks to the Blazers. Russell is on an expiring contract, Vanderbilt has one of the best team-friendly deals and two future first-round picks can immensely help Portland’s rebuild.
Grant is a two-way player who also knows how to operate around superstars. A lineup of Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Grant will be tough on both ends of the court in late-game situations. They have size, shooting, versatility and defense to overwhelm teams or eke out wins.
Opposing teams will not have the luxury of hunting for somebody like D'Angelo Russell on defense. And, JJ Redick knows the Lakers have the depth to sustain potential two-way excellence for a whole season.
