Just as many expected, Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has picked up his player option for the 2024-25 NBA season which would pocket him $18.69 million. So, instead of trying to look for a new deal somewhere else, Russell will be staying in La La Land, getting a chance to be among the first players coached by JJ Redick in the NBA.
D’Angelo Russell believes in new Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick
Jordan Richard of Swish Cultures broke the news of Russell running it back with the Lakers. Russell also told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that the reason he’s decided to pick up his option is because he trusts Redick to put him in the right position to shine.
D’Angelo Russell to ESPN on his decision to opt in for the final year of his contract with the Lakers for $18.7 million: “I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level.”
Whether that’s a subtle shot at former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham or not, Russell has pressure to put together a solid season under Redick if he is to score a big contract once he becomes a free agent (assuming he doesn’t get an extension).
Over the last two seasons (mostly with the Lakers, Russell averaged 17.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from behind the arc. Those are quality numbers, but lots of Lakers fans didn’t like the way he performed in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, as he posted just a 38.4 field goal percentage and a pathetic 31.8 percent success rate on his 3-point attempts versus Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
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