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LA Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell's market continues to shrink. As per the latest rumors, the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets are the only suitors for the former All-Star. However, even the Raptors and Nets aren't considering the nine-year veteran a valuable on-court addition.
According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, Russell is garnering interest from the rebuilding franchises because of his $18.6 million expiring contract with LA. Here's what Irving wrote on Monday (h/t Basketball on X):
"Portland has no interest in Russell, according to sources close to that situation. League sources also say Washington is wary of pairing Russell with fellow space cadet Jordan Poole.
"Toronto and Brooklyn are more open to acquiring the nine-year veteran, but more for his expiring contract than for what he’d do on the court."
D'Angelo Russell produced one of his best shooting seasons in LA this past year, making 41.5% of his shots from 3. He averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists, too. He marginally improved defensively and emerged as a reliable scorer when needed in the second half of the season.
However, Russell failed to translate his regular season output into the playoffs. He managed 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists, shooting a measly 38.2%, including 31.2% from 3 in the Lakers' first-round series loss to the Denver Nuggets. That included a scoreless outing in the all-important Game 3 with LA down 0-2.
Questions around his playoffs struggle and one-dimensional play as an offense-first guard jeopardized his shot at a lucrative contract this summer, leading to him opting into his deal with the Lakers and avoiding free agency.
What is LA Lakers and D'Angelo Russell's best way forward?
With the playoffs fresh in everyone's mind, D'Angelo Russell might not generate as much interest in the market, especially among contenders. Russel's only way to recoup his value ahead of next summer's free agency is to commit to the LA Lakers and buy into the role new coach JJ Redick thinks would help him excel.
It's the same theory for the Lakers, as they will have to keep Russell on the roster for opening night and hope his value improves by December or the trade deadline. They can then tangle him in trades for players who can create an instant impact.
The Lakers can also gauge their assets with the team's progress instead of rushing into a move now with potentially mediocre returns for high prices.
