Lakers News: LA Re-Signs D’Angelo Russell to 2-Year Deal with Player Option
After much speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers and free agent point guard D'Angelo Russell have agreed on a two-year deal worth $37 million. The contract will have a player option on it for next season as well. ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski was the first with the news.
This is a great move for the Lakers, simple as that. They retain the services of Russell while not overpaying for him. He was a key member of the roster that just saw the Lakers make it to the Western Conference Finals and despite his poor play against the Denver Nuggets, it makes sense to keep him.
Russell can play both on and off the ball, giving the Lakers something they can work with. He also started to establish some chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as well, which will be huge going forward.
In 17 games with LA during the regular season, Russell averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 assists and shot 41.4 percent from three. He is exactly the type of point guard that a team with James needs to have.
While the struggles of Russell in the Western Conference Finals were well documented, he was the best option to return at the guard position. They weren't going after any star players and Russell himself is a very serviceable player for this team.
If it doesn't work out, the Lakers can always trade him at the deadline for an upgrade. This is a team-friendly deal and a win for both sides.
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