Player: D'Angelo · Russell
Team: Lakers
Height: 1.93 meters, weight 87 kg, 28 years old
2023-24 Regular Season Stats:
He appeared in 76 games, started 69 times, averaged 32.7 minutes per game, 18 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks, shooting 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from three-point range and 82.8% from the free throw line.
2023-24 Playoffs Stats:
He appeared in 5 appearances, started 5 times, averaged 37 minutes per game, 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks, shooting 38.4% from the field, 31.8% from three-point range and 50% from the free throw line.
Throughout the 2023-24 regular season, Russell's performance was acceptable enough for fans, he played a performance close to 18+6, and his three-point shooting rate exceeded 40%, breaking the Lakers' all-time regular season three-point record. However, in the playoffs that the Lakers were looking forward to, Russell's performance was once again a big disappointment, and his statistics showed a cliff-like decline, which also led to the Lakers being eliminated by the Nuggets 4-1.
According to the data, since returning to the Lakers in 2023, Russell has averaged 17.9 points per game on 46.2% shooting in the regular season, while only 13.5 points per game on 41.4% shooting in the playoffs. Considering the Lakers' goal has always been to fight for a championship, it's hard not to make Russell's performance so eager for management to send him away.
So after the season, Russell decided to exercise his $18.69 million player option in his contract next season, and the Lakers have been actively pursuing a Russell-centric trade. Over the next two months, the Lakers tried to send Russell away in exchange for a stronger star in a number of potential trades, but those trades ultimately fell through. At the same time, teams including the Nets are also interested in Russell, but they can't give the Lakers the leverage they want. So at least for the moment, Russell is still a member of the Lakers.
The new season will be a crucial year for Russell. On the one hand, he needs to prove his worth to the Lakers, and on the other hand, he will work hard for his next contract. If the partnership between the two sides is not happy, the possibility that the Lakers could trade him away in the middle of the season cannot be ruled out.