Russell has averaged 11.0 points and 5.3 assists per game since he was demoted to the bench against the Thunder, and the stats need to be clarified:
First, offensive efficiency. 56.4% true shooting percentage at start, 54.2% off the bench;
Second, transmission and control efficiency. He converted 6.3 assists per 45.6 passes in the start, and 37.8 and 4.0 when he came off the bench.
To sum up the above two points, it means that Russell "can't play" on the bench, so there is no need for the Lakers to stay. This is different from last season's Willis - Russell's $18.5 million contract is relatively easy to trade.
With the premise of Russell, coupled with the Lakers' poor record due to successive losses to the Timberwolves, Pelicans and Heat, it can be said that Russell's departure has basically entered the countdown.
As for where Russell goes, I think the best and most ideal is a rebuilding team like the Pistons, the Spurs, etc.
First, there is no need for Russell from championship-winning teams such as the Nuggets, Bucks, and Thunder, and second, there is no need for a record for rebuilding teams, and almost any player can take over as long as the chips are right, as the Jazz took over last season.
Speaking of which, I have to mention Russell's contract - 1+1 average salary of 18.5 million.
Previously, the Lakers didn't have many draft picks available in trades such as Thick Eyebrows, Will Sho (come and go), and this was one of them. Second, at this stage, the rest of the players in the Lakers team except Russell, such as Reaves and Hachimura, are very cost-effective.
In this regard, the best way to strengthen is Russell 1 for 1, which reflects that it will not hurt the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Bojan averaged 20.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game after returning from injury. What to note about the data is:
One, three points. 49.8% shooting, 39.7% shooting rate, 3.1 goals per game;
Second, tackling tough problems. He averaged 8.7 breakaways per game and shot 47.4 percent from the field.
To sum up the above two points, Bojan is a combat force with both three points and attacking, to be precise, 20+4 immediate combat power. In terms of characteristics, Bojan's characteristics are very similar to those of Bridges of the Nets and Bogdanovic of the Hawks. For Bojan, I think the Lakers are still very promising.
Reason: Contract. Over time, Bojan and the Pistons still have 2 years and 39 million contracts left on their contracts. It's obviously a heavy burden for the rebuilding team. Russell, on the other hand, could free up salary space as soon as this summer.
When the space comes out, you can "eat" garbage contracts to get draft picks, just like the Thunder in previous seasons.
In addition, from Bojan's point of view, the Lakers are clearly more attractive than the rebuilt Pistons. This not only refers to the promotion of the crown, but also the increase in commercial value brought by ultra-high exposure.
Finally, it's time to say goodbye to Russell. I mean, even if you can't make a deal with the Pistons, it's only a matter of time before Russell leaves, as I said. Of course, the way to leave is still 1-for-1.