D’Angelo Russell’s re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers is supposedly in the works, but it’s not because the team wants him to play every minute of the 2024–25 NBA season. If he signs a new contract before the 2025 deadline or even this summer, they think it will be simpler to move him.

Considering his performance throughout the regular season, Anthony Irwin stated that the Lakers are “wary of his market” and will “try harder” to get him to sign a one-year deal that would be simpler to trade before the deadline, if not this summer. Because the Orlando Magic are sorely lacking in scoring from the guard position, rumors have already circulated linking him to that team.

After a solid regular season, Russell continued his postseason slump, which has plagued him in every league he has played in. According to sources, the Lakers attempted to trade for him around the deadline, but no team was interested in acquiring him due to the significant bargaining power he would have with his player option in the summer.

It is likely that the Lakers will attempt to sign and move Russell since they are aware of the defensive issues that could arise with a backcourt combination of Russell and Austin Reaves. But if they don’t get a good offer this summer, they’re willing to reschedule with the goal of upgrading by the deadline—ideally with Russell on a big expiring contract.”

Russell continued his pattern of underwhelming postseason play after a respectable regular season. He made 76 appearances (69 starts) and averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game in the regular season. His numbers dropped to 14.2 points and 4.2 assists per game in a five-game first-round series loss to the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

The 28-year-old has a $18.6 million player option for the 2024–25 NBA season. If he wants to sign with any other NBA franchise, he can become a free agent. The Lakers are considering a new contract and a trade as potential outcomes since they would hate to lose him for nothing.

If the Magic and the Cavaliers are forced to part ways with All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell this winter, the Cavaliers may be a potential third party. According to a recent source, the Lakers would be among the first teams to express interest in acquiring the 27-year-old from the Cavaliers. He would be an excellent addition to the Lakers’ roster if they are looking to round out their star power with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Heаd cоаch Dаrvin Hаm, whо аllegedly hаd а tense relаtiоnship with Russell, wаs аlreаdy fired by the Lаkers аfter their disаstrоus seаsоn ended. Nо dоubt the teаm’s next heаd cоаch wоuld like а sаy in Russell’s аnd the teаm’s lоng-term gоаls.

The future of James, who has a player option for the upcoming season and the chance to become a free agent, must also be included into that planning. With a three-year maximum contract and a final-year option, though, the 39-year-old may be more inclined to re-sign.