In basketball, a world full of numbers and efficiency, players are often labeled by data, but the story behind the data is the real basketball. This season, Russell's performance averaged 17.5 points and 7.3 assists per game, which is similar to CJ McCollum and Smart on the surface, but it is not at the level of top stars such as Jokic, Doncic, and Curry.
And the Lakers' offensive breakthrough woes this season are also of concern. They are averaging far fewer breakaways per game than other teams, showing that the team lacks players who can penetrate the defense with the exception of LeBron James. This flaw is especially evident in Russell's case, and while his shooting percentage fluctuates against different levels of defense, from 33.3 percent against the Nuggets to 71.4 percent against the Magic, it also highlights how often he struggles to maintain efficiency against top opponents.
The volatility of this performance and the Lakers' lack on the offensive end make Russell's future a question mark. Although he has a 1+1 contract, there is no guarantee of his long-term status. If his performance is sluggish, he could become a pawn in the trade market, which is even more evident when the Lakers are in desperate need of a consistent scorer like DeRozan. And DeRozan's consistency, averaging 125 per game and shooting 46.7 percent from the field, is a breath of fresh air for the Lakers, especially as his contract with the Bulls expires and the Bulls point guard spot is vacant.
Against this backdrop, the Lakers could use Russell, Schifino and a second-round pick to try and trade for DeRozan. And the Bulls are likely to undergo a massive roster reshuffle due to Lonzo Ball's injury sidelines and poor performance for two consecutive seasons, which gives the Lakers a chance. It's worth mentioning that DeRozan was close to joining the Lakers in the '21 offseason, and if it weren't for Jeanie Buss's final decision to sign Westbrook, the Lakers' situation might have been very different.
A potential trade between the Lakers and the Bulls, despite the uncertainty, is no longer groundless in the talk of such a 3-for-1 deal. For the Lakers, such an adjustment could be the key to regaining winning momentum. And Russell, whether he stays with the Lakers in the future or not, he needs to continue to prove himself on the court and maintain his value in the trade market.
The NBA is a competitive environment, and every season is an opportunity to redefine your career. This season has been particularly challenging and an opportunity for Russell, as his scoring efficiency drops against strong teams and shows that he needs to improve with a high level of defence
Russell's declining scoring efficiency against the league's biggest teams is evident, reflecting the fact that there is still room for improvement in his offensive approach with a high-intensity defense. For example, in the opening game against the Nuggets, he shot only 33.3 percent from the field and 37.5 percent against the Suns, which was in stark contrast to his whopping 71.4 percent against the Magic. And this volatility isn't just limited to individuals, it's a microcosm of the Lakers' overall offensive problems.
In addition, the Lakers' woes on the offensive end are also reflected in their breakaways, averaging only 44.8 breakaways per game, which is not even as good as the bottom-ranked Pistons. This makes one wonder if the Lakers have other players other than James who can contribute to the breakthrough consistently, especially in James' absence, this lack of ability makes the offense extremely difficult.
Within the Lakers, only two players, James and Reaves, have an assist rate below 50 percent, highlighting the team's lack of players who can generate scoring opportunities on their own. As a member of the team, Russell not only needs more consistency in his individual performance, but more importantly, his role in the team's offensive system still has a lot of room for improvement.
And for the Chicago Bulls, who are looking to rebuild, Lonzo Ball's consecutive season reimbursement and the team's poor performance in the last two seasons mean that they may make significant roster changes in the near future. Russell, as a member of the Lakers, could be just the kind of player the Bulls need to improve the team right away, especially at the point guard position.
DeRozan's performance with the Bulls, especially his consistency and offensive ability on the offensive end, is also quite attractive to the Lakers. His 125 attempts per game and 467 percent shooting percentage illustrate his ability to play an important role in tough battles. The Lakers could take advantage of this and include Russell as part of a trade in hopes of bolstering the team's offense.
Russell's 1+1 contract with the Lakers leaves many questions about his future. While his performance shone enough in certain moments, it still didn't guarantee his place with the Lakers. Similarly, if his performance declines, the Lakers may also use him as a bargaining chip to pursue other possibilities for team building.
Undoubtedly, this season has been both a challenge and an opportunity for Russell. Even with a superstar like James on the team, the Lakers still need other players to be able to take the lead on the offensive end, which is a great opportunity for Russell to show himself and increase his value.
Every season in the NBA can redefine a player's career, and for Russell, this season is undoubtedly a new start in his career. He needs
Prove yourself not just as a scorer, but as a leader who can lead the team to victory in key moments. His versatility, especially on the defensive end, will be key to his personal value and the Lakers' success.
Russell's intelligence on the court and his ability to observe the game have always been one of his most appreciated traits. However, to be a true All-Star, it also takes his off-court leadership and on-court tenacity. As the league's defensive strategy against the Lakers and Russell matures, Russell will need to evolve his game and expand his skill set.
In training, this means that Russell needs to spend more time honing his defensive skills, understanding his opponent's movements, and continuing to improve physically to cope with the high intensity of the game. He also needs to improve his calmness and decision-making skills in tense situations, which are indispensable qualities for a commander.
The Lakers' system also needs to continue to be built around Russell's strengths. He's particularly good at pick-and-rolls, finding gaps in defenders' switches to create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates. The Lakers need to make more use of that advantage in his pick-and-roll while also improving the team's efficiency when transitioning offense.
And for a possible trade, Lakers management must weigh short- and long-term goals. If they think they can make the team more competitive through a trade in the short term, then they might consider trading Russell. But if they believe Russell is an important part of the team's future, then they should continue to invest in his growth and build the team around him.
Regardless of the outcome, Russell will need to prove this season that he deserves the Lakers' trust and investment, while also proving that he has what it takes to be among the top players in the league. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on him to see if he can take the step to become a great player.