The Los Angeles Lakers are growing increasingly reluctant to finalize certain trades as time passes, and D’Angelo Russell emerges as a key factor influencing their decision-making. The longer the Lakers delay making a trade, the more hesitant they become, and Russell’s contributions are prompting a reconsideration within the front office, potentially leaving the door open for him to remain with the team.
DLo doing everything tonight 🥶 pic.twitter.com/gMURHpIvAm
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 26, 2024
On January 26, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha suggested a 40 percent chance that Russell stays with the Lakers, a higher probability than a few weeks ago. Despite the likelihood of a trade by the deadline, the situation has evolved into a 50-50 proposition due to the rising threshold set by the Lakers for moving Russell. According to team sources, the Lakers consider trades involving Russell for players like Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, or Spencer Dinwiddie as, at best, lateral moves and more likely downgrades.
“Just trying to complement Bron and AD… I think the aggression is allowing me to have some success.” D’Angelo Russell speaks on his role for the Lakers and his bromance with Austin Reaves. pic.twitter.com/5RHRSfb0vR
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 26, 2024
Russell’s recent performance has been exceptional, averaging 27.4 points, 53.1% three-point accuracy, 6.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in seven games since rejoining the starting lineup. The rumor mill connects Brogdon, Dinwiddie, Jones, and Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray to the Lakers, with Russell being the most frequently mentioned player in trade talks.
While Russell’s recent play complicates the decision for the Lakers, two significant obstacles to retaining him past the deadline remain. Buha highlights an overlapping skill set with third-year guard Austin Reaves, who, after signing a four-year, $53.8 million contract, is virtually off-limits in trade talks. Additionally, Russell’s two-year, $36 million contract, with an $18.7 million player option for the second year, raises concerns for the Lakers about being locked into a potentially underperforming contract or losing him for nothing in free agency if he exceeds expectations.
DJ steps right up and cashes a 3 pic.twitter.com/Aiv8opF5SP
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 27, 2024
These same concerns contribute to the difficulty the Lakers face in finding potential suitors for Russell beyond the trade deadline. Dejounte Murray stands out as an exception, but negotiations with the Hawks, who have asked for Reaves and declined to take on Russell, present challenges. It’s likely that the Lakers will need a third team to facilitate a trade with Atlanta.
Despite Russell’s reported low trade value, the Lakers have already made an offer, including their 2029 first-round pick and a pick swap to the Hawks. The lingering question revolves around how much further the Lakers are willing to go to acquire someone they identify as a significant difference-maker.
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