The Los Angeles Lakers have made some noise already early in the offseason. By dismissing Darvin Ham and acquiring a new head coach, JJ Redick. The Lakers will be searching the market and rumors have come in regards to D’Angelo Russell’s position as the starting point guard.Trae Young and Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks are two names who have been linked to the Lakers.
Lakers to Keep or Replace D’Angelo Russell?
Time will be a factor in Russell’s decision heading into free agency this summer. He still has not made an official decision on whether he is opting out of his $18.6 million player option for next season. Notably, Russell has until June 29th the eve of free agency to make a decision on his player option. Russell potentially could be playing elsewhere. Rumors have circulated about a trade package sending Russell, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and picks for Young or Murray. Along with the Orlando Magic being interested in acquiring Russell in free agency. Although, this is all still speculation. The Atlanta Hawks have not made Young or Murray available for trade and they’ve not asked to be traded.
After being traded back to the Lakers in the 2023 trade deadline, Russell has averaged some impressive numbers. He has averaged 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Russell has appeared in 21 playoff games ultimately falling short to the Denver Nuggets the past two years. One in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and this year’s first round. During his playoff stretches, Russell averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Although his numbers aren’t as impressive as Young’s, his chemistry and productivity with the Lakers have grown over the past several seasons.
This past season, Young has averaged 25.7 points, 10.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Trae has been the primary piece in helping the Atlanta Hawks to three straight playoff appearances. Young has proven to be an elite All-Star caliber player over his several years in the league. The question is whether or not the Lakers are yet again willing to sacrifice some key players in order to gain another All-Star.
