Lakers News: Expert Projects D’Angelo Russell’s Free Agent Fate
The curious case of D’Angelo Russell's future with your Los Angeles Lakers changes by the day. Laker fans are torn on what they think the team should do with the point guard, given his struggles in the Western Conference Finals this season. However, ESPN NBA analyst believes he know what the team may be thinking and he explained it on a recent ESPN radio show.
“I actually think there are corners of the organization that would still like D’Angelo Russell back just because they have a void at that position,” Lowe said. “They need a point guard.”
-Lowe on Russell
The shortcomings of Russell were on full display in the playoffs, namely against the Denver Nuggets but lost in the madness is the fact that the team doesn't even make the Conference Finals without him. Russell was a key component to the Lakers late season run to make the postseason and he came up big multiple times during the first two rounds of the playoffs.
They don't win game four against the Grizzlies without Russell hitting three massive threes to get them back in the game, late in the fourth quarter. He then helped them close out Memphis, scoring 31 points in game six. Against the Warriors in round two, Russell helped stop a huge Golden State run late in game one.
Russell still has value and the Lakers should bring him back, even with the issues he has. Yes, sometimes he can go cold and cold he went against the Nuggets. But he fits with LeBron James and Anthony Davis due to his ability to play on and off ball.
He also can shoot at a high rate from three, which is a needed component from this team. The four game sample size against the Nuggets isn't indicative of who Russell really is as a player. They need a point guard and Russell fits the bill.
Los Angeles has to answer some questions this offseason, with Russell being at the forefront. They may be able to get him for a slightly lesser amount due to his struggles in the playoffs and unless a star point guard becomes available, Russell makes the most sense to return.
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