Why the Lakers should keep D’Angelo Russell
As the NBA heads towards free agency, D’Angelo Russell has become a key player in trade talks. Looking at potential returns, it’s clear the offers are pretty similar in value.
It’s common to blame someone during tough times, and Russell has often taken heat, especially during critical moments like the Nuggets series last season.
Russell has been a core part of the team since his rookie year, notably alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant. His return to the Lakers brought back the exciting “Lakers Showtime” style that was missed.
.@RealJayWill doesn’t like the idea of D’Angelo Russell returning to LA 👀
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 28, 2024
“He’s a talented player, but while trying to win a championship he can’t get out of his own way about what the team was trying to accomplish. It was more about him.” pic.twitter.com/oAsrYrLZ4W
His impact was huge as the team exceeded expectations, making it to the Conference Finals in the 2022-23 season despite doubts against Memphis.
Concerns about D’Angelo Russell mainly focus on his playoff performance, which is understandable.
His struggles against Denver last season were hard to watch, and his disappointing showing in the previous season’s Western Conference Finals was even more painful, averaging just 6.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 32.3% from the field. As the star guard, all eyes are on him during these big moments.
In the Denver series last season, the bench only scored 17 points over two games, all from Taurean Prince. Rui Hachimura also had a tough series, averaging 7.8 points, 0.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 39.5% from the field despite playing over 30 minutes per game.
It’s important to remember there are many factors in a series, and a new coach might help fix some of these issues.
Fans often criticize players without considering the whole picture. Darvin Ham received heat for his decisions on rotations, timeouts, and plays.
D’Angelo Russell is excited to play under JJ Redick
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 29, 2024
“I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level.”
(Via @mcten ) pic.twitter.com/8sSwirNYmH
How does Russell fit?
After losing to the Grizzlies on April 19th, Russell explained in an interview on Asylum Interviews’s YouTube page, “I’m a basketball player, not just a point guard on this team.”
This shows Russell’s flexible role on the team, where LeBron James usually brings up the ball while Russell focuses more on catching and shooting.
JJ Redick’s arrival has also changed how the team will utilize players, moving away from LeBron’s strong on-ball play and making us rethink Russell’s role.
Last season, Russell was consistently the Lakers’ third-best player. When Anthony Davis and James were injured, Russell often stood out, sometimes even playing better than other opposing star players.
We still have the potential to build a championship team; just two seasons ago, we were only four games away from competing for the title.
One of my favorite games from D’Angelo Russell this past season. Completely took over this game and was the best player on the court. pic.twitter.com/9uvw6xOtRe
— Loading … (@IceInMyVeinsSzn) June 29, 2024
The trade offers for Russell are frightening. They either give us players of similar value or make LeBron take on more responsibilities, which contradicts JJ’s comments.
Trading Russell for players like Cam Johnson or Jerami Grant alone wouldn’t miraculously improve the team. If we can get these players and more role players, it could be worth it. But it’ll be hard for Pelinka to make a deal like that happen.
The connection between LeBron, Davis, and Russell is special. Russell’s ability to see the court and set up plays, whether it’s pick-and-rolls, cuts, screens, or just coming up with new moves, is perfect for the Lakers.
Russell not only knows what his teammates are going to do but also helps them play their best, collaborating with LeBron and Davis to make the whole team better on offense and defense.
With Russell on the team, we can guarantee a key player in our drive for success; with a trade, it’ll be a learning process.
