There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of D’Angelo Russell with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former All-Star point guard had an up-and-down campaign with the Lakers last term and at this point, all signs are pointing to the notion that that may have been his last season in Hollywood.
Los Angeles Lakers Plan to Part Ways With D’Angelo Russell
Right now, Russell has one more year in his current contract. The 28-year-old, however, has a player option on his deal, which means that he could choose to walk away as a free agent.
For their part, the Lakers are reportedly anticipating Russell’s decision to opt out of his final year. In the case that he does not, though, LA’s plan would be to trade him away. This report comes via team insider Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily:
“Sources close to the situation speaking on the condition of anonymity say the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for D’Angelo Russell to opt out, but would not be at all surprised if he opted into his player option for the 2024-25 season. League sources believe that if Russell does opt in, a trade would be likely,” Irwin wrote.
The biggest takeaway here is that Russell does not appear to be included in the Lakers’ plans this coming season. Regardless of his decision on his contract, it seems that he will be playing for a different team in 2024-25.
For their part, the Lakers will benefit more if Russell decides to opt into his final year as they should be able to get a couple of valuable assets in a potential trade. This would be the ideal scenario for LA as opposed to the 6-foot-3 guard walking away for nothing.
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