"Trade deadline D’Lo is back"- LA Lakers fans react after $18.6M trade candidate goes off for 28 points and 14 assists

LA Lakers trade candidate D'Angelo Russell produced his best game of the season in Sunday's 108-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Russell finished with a double-double, tallying 28 points and 14 assists, shooting 52.9%, including 5 of 10 from 3 in 34 minutes.

With LeBron James and Austin Reaves out, Russell looked more comfortable than most other games with the ball in his hands. That helped him build a rhythm, creating shots for himself and his teammates with his astute floor game.

Russell's burst reminded Lakers fans of how he turned things up a notch last season when he heard his name in trade rumors. The situation on Sunday was reminiscent of that with Russell again, who seemingly shrugged off a poor run of games against the Trail Blazers.

Here's what one fan said:

"Trade deadline D’Lo is back"

Another suggested his trade value was shooting up after Sunday's game:

"Is he back?" another fan wrote.

"About time he contributed. Sleeper in the team," one fan added.

"Do this against a team with a winning record," one fan said.

One fan joked:

"showing up when it doesn't matter"

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D'Angelo Russell among the names LA Lakers will discuss in trade market

The LA Lakers have very few assets that could help them upgrade the positions they need to. D'Angelo Russell's expiring $18.6 million deal is one of the most moveable contracts for LA. According to Hoops Hype's Michael A Scotto, Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent are among the names to be discussed in trade talks leading up to the deadline.

"NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe two future Lakers first-round draft picks in 2029 and 2031 are the team’s most coveted trade assets, given the Stepien Rule," Scotto wrote.

"The Lakers can trade two unprotected first-round picks and three swaps overall. In addition to those draft picks, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent will be discussed on the trade market."

Russell's one-dimensional play as an offense-first rhythm-influenced player makes him a surplus to addition on a team with Austin Reaves as the lead guard.

Their awkward fit makes them a misfit and weakens the LA Lakers' defense. Russell is also more inconsistent. He's had far too many ups and downs, and his playoff performances haven't matched Reaves' over the past two postseasons.

JJ Redick has also had to alter D'Angelo Russell's game more than Austin Reaves, which hasn't boded well for either party.