Report: Raptors, Nets ‘Open To Acquiring’ D’Angelo Russell From Lakers

According to NBA insider Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily, the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets are “open to acquiring” D’Angelo Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Lakers are shopping Russell, who picked up his 2024-25 player option worth $18.7 million.

Raptors guard Bruce Brown and Nets forwards Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith are players the Lakers have targeted this offseason. 

“Toronto and Brooklyn are more open to acquiring the nine-year veteran, but more for his expiring contract than for what he’d do on the court,” Irwin reported. “Russell is that rare player who is both too good to help teams tank but also not an impact player in the postseason. He’ll turn 29 in February, so he likely is who he is at this point. Add to that some questions about his impact on locker rooms and the market on the most moveable expiring contract the Lakers have at their disposal just hasn’t been great.

“Sources say in the days leading up to Russell’s decision to opt into his contract this season, Los Angeles started quietly canvassing the league for deals. When he finally did exercise his player option, Rob Pelinka started really working to find him a new home, to no avail.”

Russell averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Lakers while shooting 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc and 82.8% from the free-throw line. 

A one-time All-Star, Russell told NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN he wants to stay with the Lakers and play for new head coach JJ Redick. 

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

Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games, while the Raptors and Nets missed the postseason. 

Russell played for the Nets from 2017-18 to 2018-19.