D’Angelo Russell Deal Would Be Tricky, But Lakers Likely To Explore

December 17, 2024

D’Angelo Russell‘s second stint with the Lakers has been a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistency and underperformance at times, yet flashes of brilliance that have left fans and NBA executives questioning his future in Los Angeles.

Acquired in February 2022, Russell arrived with much anticipation but has been far from a reliable fixture in the Lakers’ lineup.

This season, his numbers have dipped to a career-low 12.4 points per game, and his role has fluctuated between starter and bench player. Despite this, Russell showed he still has the potential to step up when needed.

In a recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, he erupted for 28 points and 14 assists, showcasing what he’s capable of when things click. The question remains: can he bring that kind of performance consistently?

With an expiring $18.7 million contract and a $700,000 bonus tied to a potential Lakers championship, Russell’s future in Los Angeles is uncertain.

The Lakers are currently over the salary cap apron, which complicates any trade involving Russell, as relayed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks. They can’t take back more money than what’s owed to him, making any deal tricky.

His expiring deal could be appealing to other teams looking for financial flexibility, but there are restrictions.

Furthermore, due to the terms of his contract, he’s not eligible for an extension if he is traded, adding another layer of complexity to his value on the market.

For the Lakers, the decision to keep or move Russell could come down to their championship aspirations.

If he can rediscover his earlier form and contribute at a high level, the Lakers might opt to keep him for the postseason push. If not, expect his contract to be a key piece in a trade that reshapes the roster before the deadline.