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D'Angelo Russell made a case for himself as the third scoring option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis after returning to the LA Lakers fold in 2022. The guard was part of the three-team trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz. Since linking up with his former team, Russell has been a force for LA offensively, providing them with the much-needed beyond-the-arc shooting spark.
The Athletic's Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha believed that Russell, despite his contributions, hasn't reached his ceiling as a player yet. Speaking on his latest episode of 'Buha's Block', the insider believed the guard had more to offer.
"I don't think D'Angelo Russell has reached his ceiling yet. He's only 28 years old right now, so he's in the physical, athletic prime of his career. Statistically, it's between the 27 to 29 range. So, I think Russell still has untapped potential. For me, it's doing more of what he did during the second half of the last season for a full season."
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In his final 41 games for the Lakers last season, Russell averaged 20.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists on 45/43/88 shooting splits.
For Buha, this was proof that if the guard could replicate 90% of his performance in the second half of last season for LA, it would be significant. However, Buha noted that it was evident that Russell was a consistent player in the 82-game regular season, but he struggled during the 16-game playoff campaign
D'Angelo Russell gave glimpses of what he could do when he spearheads the offense, and the big games he had with 30+ points suggest that he has a penchant for racking up the numbers. The question now will be about his consistency.
Jerami Grant to LA rumors continue to do the rounds amid D'Angelo Russell's trade buzz
Jerami Grant is the latest name to be linked to the Lakers' so-far-quiet summer. The Portland Trail Blazers guard is expected to be on the trade block with the Purple and Gold showing interest, and the question was whether LA would trade D'Angelo Russell for Grant.
In an earlier report, it was said the Blazers were not keen on adding Russell to their ranks. Buha believed that the franchise had enough guards, and adding another $18.7 million piece would not make sense.
If not Russell, then the Lakers will have to consider adding Rui Hachimura as part of the deal and throw in another minimum contract player in either Cam Reddish or Christian Wood. For now, all signs point to D'Angelo Russell suiting up for LA on opening night. Unless the Lakers swing for a trade before that.
