On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers lost their first-round series in five games to the Nuggets. It is the second time in as many postseasons that the Lakes have been eliminated by Denver. A tough pill to swallow for Los Angeles. This offseason, team president and GM Rob Pelinka will have to make some tough decisions.
One of those involves PG D’Angelo, who had an impressive campaign for Los Angeles in 2023-24. Next season, Russell is scheduled to receive a player option worth $18 million in 2024-25. Chances are, Rusell doesn’t want to play on an expiring contract. Will the Lakers extend Russell this offseason or is the veteran PG looking for a new team to call home?
Where will D’Angelo Russell play in 2024-25?
“When I signed my contract last year, I knew what position I would be putting myself in. To be in this position now and have a little influence, I’m going to try to take advantage of it.” D’Angelo Russell on his future. pic.twitter.com/3f5nTJvyEr
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 30, 2024
In the 2022/23 season, D’Angelo Russell was transferred to the Lakers at the deadline. He played the final 17 games of the regular season and all 16 playoff games in 2023. Last summer, the Lakers signed Russell to a two-year contract worth $36 million. However, the second year of his contract is a player option worth $18 million. There is no doubt that Russell will want to sign a new contract this offseason. If he starts the 2024-25 season, he could be an easy trade player.
After a loss to the Nuggets in Game 5, Russell indicated he will be weighing his options this offseason. The 28-year-old said he has a bit of influence this offseason and wants to use it. Russell will certainly be making calls this offseason and see if a team has better offers than the Lakers. His 2023–24 season was his best shooting season from beyond the arc with (.415)%. The first time in his career that he shot over 40% from distance in a single season.
D’Angelo Russell on his performance this season:
“Hell of a year from D’Angelo.”
(above @michaelcorvo_) pic.twitter.com/vS61W9iawW
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 30, 2024
The NBA playoffs haven’t even reached the second round yet. D’Angelo Russell has plenty of time this offseason to weigh his options and decide what the best move is for his career. He could stay with the Lakers in 2024-25 and sign another contract extension. Or Russell could test the free agency options and see if a team is looking for an experienced PG. Only time will tell what D’Angelo Russell has planned for this offseason.