D’Angelo Russell noticed his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers go from the perfect of occasions to the worst of occasions in a short time.
Russell began out being an especially impactful piece of L.A.’s puzzle after getting acquired on the NBA Commerce Deadline, averaging 17.4 factors on 48.4 p.c capturing from the sector and 41.4 p.c capturing from three. He additionally chipped in 6.1 assists per sport all through 17 common season outings.
Sadly, when it mattered most, Russell floundered within the Western Convention Finals and received benched.
Russell was so unhealthy towards the Denver Nuggets, in actual fact, that each Nuggets gamers and coaches brazenly mocked him.
Russell can theoretically signal a two-year, $67.5 million extension with the Lakers by the top of subsequent month, however in line with Dave McMenamin of ESPN, L.A. “won’t pursue [him] on the max quantity.”
The place does that go away Russell, who at one level was looking for $25 million yearly when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this 12 months? It will seem someplace aside from Los Angeles.
In accordance with Sports Illustrated, 4 groups have emerged as clear frontrunners to steal Russell from L.A.
“The [Charlotte] Hornets have the shortest odds to signal Russell at +300 adopted by the [Atlanta] Hawks (+400), [Memphis] Grizzlies (+500) and [Dallas] Mavericks (+600).”
With G-League sensation Scoot Henderson and Alabama star Brandon Miller out there within the 2023 NBA Draft, it’s unclear why Charlotte would want somebody of Russell’s skillset.
The identical might be mentioned for the Hawks, too. Russell solely is sensible in Atlanta if Trae Younger will get traded.
Provided that Younger has lately been linked to commerce rumors with 4 groups, although – possibly that could be a situation the entrance workplace is getting ready for.
Memphis makes some sense. The Grizzlies face an unsure future with Ja Morant, and even when their celebrity does find yourself avoiding a prolonged suspension, Russell ought to theoretically be capable of play effectively off him offensively.
Defensively Morant and Russell could be a catastrophe collectively, although.
Lastly, the Mavericks could be a logical vacation spot for Russell if it got here in a sign-and-trade of some type involving Kyrie Irving. L.A. has made its curiosity in Irving no secret in latest days. Ditto for LeBron James, who prefers him to Younger.
On Saturday morning the Mavericks tried to inform Tim Cato of The Athletic that they wouldn’t assist Irving facilitate a sign-and-trade.
Will probably be fascinating to name their bluff and see if they might actually desire to be left with nothing if Irving opts to go to Los Angeles.
Large image, it is going to be fascinating to see what the Lakers resolve to do with Russell.
Clearly his girlfriend loves being in Los Angeles, however James not being a fan of Russell’s seems like a dying knell.
The pictures converse for themselves. https://t.co/rLXHFv2gJE
— Sport 7 (@game7__) May 27, 2023
It’s exhausting to see a situation the place the 27-year-old returns to L.A. barring him taking an enormous pay minimize.
The place will Russell in the end be taking part in come the 2023-24 NBA season? Time will inform.
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