D’Angelo Russell intends to exercise his $18.7M option with the Lakers and sees himself “thriving” with JJ Redick.
The base of Los Angeles Lakers, D’Angelo Russellplans opt out of the final year of his contract for $18.7 millionhe told ESPN a day before the decision deadline.
D’Angelo Russell (pictured) intends to exercise his $18.7M option with the Lakers and sees himself “thriving” with JJ Redick. David Jensen/Getty Images
Russell28 years old, coming off a good season for Los Angeles thanks to a growth in level in the second half. He finished his ninth season with averages of 18.0 points with 45.6% shooting (41.5% from three), 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds.
Russellwho was at the center of trade negotiations last season, He made it clear that he intends to stay in Los Angeles and playing for new Lakers coach JJ Redick.
“I love what JJ does and I really see myself thriving. under his direction to help win at a high level,” Russell told ESPN on Friday night.
It is likely that Jaxson Hayes also opt for the last year of your contracta source familiar with the center revealed to ESPN, confirming the news first reported by The Athletic.
Hayes24 years old, He joined the Lakers last summer after playing their first four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, signing a two-year contract with a player option in the second year. The eighth overall pick in 2019, he averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 70 games last season.
Los Lakers discussed a Russell trade with several teams last season, looking to upgrade the point guard position in part because of Russell’s struggles in the 2023 Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets.
After selecting Dalton Knecht with the number 17 selection already Bronny James with the selection number 55 This week, Los Angeles still has the ability to trade two future first-round picks, which, coupled with an expiring contract the size of Russell’s, could lead to a revamped lineup for the Lakers.
The Lakers replaced Darvin Ham, who Russell struggled to mesh with at times, with Redick as head coach since the season ended with another playoff loss to Denver.
Redick, an elite 3-point shooter during his playing career, spoke about his desire to have more 3-pointers across the roster for next season in his introductory press conference. It’s only natural that he values the skills of Russell, who broke the Lakers’ single-season 3-point record last season with 226.
Russell’s plan was first reported by Swish Cultures.
2024-06-29 14:44:02
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