Lakers Rumors: How LA Intends To Approach Free Agency Of D'Angelo Russell
Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D'Angelo Russell has enjoyed a strong start to his second stint with LA. So much so that fans are now wondering if the team's front office intends to keep him on the club's payroll next year. He hits unrestricted free agency this summer.
LA's prodigal point guard has impressed in his return to the team that drafted him second overall in 2015. Across nine games with the Lake Show, Russell is averaging 17.9 points on .445/.371/.828 shooting splits, 6.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.7 steals a night.
During a new episode of The HoopsHype Podcast, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype spoke with The Athletic's Jovan Buha about the possibility of Russell returning to the fold next season.
"I’ve also heard D-Lo wants to be that guy for the future for the team that drafted him and kind of fulfill those expectations they had years ago," Scotto revealed. "He’s a different guy now. He’s much older and more mature as a person."
"I think those feelings are mutual," Buha revealed. "When the Lakers made that deal, part of it was getting off Russ’ contract and getting out of that situation, but they could’ve potentially had Mike Conley [now with the Minnesota Timberwolves] in that deal. They looked at D’Angelo Russell as someone who could be their point guard of the future and potentially that lead ball handler and third-star type of guy that could fit around Anthony Davis and LeBron."
"From what I’ve been told, the Lakers have very strong interest in re-signing him," Buha continued. "I believe it’s mutual on both sides. It’s just going to come down to what type of deal does that look like?"
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