Everything about D'Angelo Russell's situation leading up to early 2024 suggested he could be traded before the deadline. He had a slump in December and was sidelined with an injury, his contract was already very tradeable and the Lakers were increasingly linked to Dejounte Murray.
His response to this situation was to play his best basketball in Los Angeles and perhaps his entire career. Including some early games shaking off the rust, Russell averaged 22.9 points and 6.6 assists per game in January, shooting 51.3 percent from the field, 46.6 percent from the 3-point line and 81.8 percent from the line.
For a typically streaky player, this isn't a shocking development. But the timing is critical and could change the Lakers' approach to the trade deadline.
In recent episodes, hoop hype Podcast, Jovan Buha The Athletic Russell's recent play has caused the Lakers to reconsider how much they value him.
“Seeing D'Angelo Russell's level of play made them (the Lakers) rethink a little bit about the quality of the player they were willing to let go of him.”
Maybe it's not the coverage some Lakers fans were hoping for, but at least the Lakers are getting back on track. While some fans may want to keep Russell (I'm one of them), there aren't many logical arguments for doing so.
Most of it comes down to his contract. As Buha further explained on his podcast, there is a player option next season and it was always a deal for the Lakers to trade.
D'Angelo, because of his player option, they're in a situation where he opts in, because there's basically no market for him and his play has gotten worse all season, or they don't have much interest in him. be. If he continues to play the way he has been playing and opts out and there is competition for his services, they will have to pay him a raise. From a cap sheet management standpoint, it makes more sense to trade Russell.
But now the question will be how other NBA teams value him and whether that has increased over the past month. As it stands, the latest reports are that the Hawks have no interest in him, and that likely won't change. However, if a third team develops interest in him after this period, it could facilitate a deal for him and overcome this impasse.
Consider this another variable to consider as the Lakers try to get through the coming months and the overall deadline.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter. @JacobRude.
