Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, a frequently mentioned participant in trade talks, has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract, according to people with knowledge of the decision and not authorized to speak publicly. The deal is worth US$18.7 million.
Russell averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists on 45.6% shooting from the field and 41.5% three-point shooting. His 226 threes made last season were a franchise record.
Friday was “D’Angelo Russell Day” in Louisville, Kentucky, in recognition of his philanthropy in his hometown.
Russell’s name was part of trade rumors for most of his time at Lakers after uneven postseason performances.
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Russell, 28, and Christian Wood aren’t the only Lakers exercising their player options. According to Atlético, Jaxson Hayes is opting in to his deal. Cam Reddish and LeBron James have until Saturday to make decisions about their options.
The decisions left the Lakers with a nearly full roster heading into free agency. The team added four players during the NBA draft, including two on two-way deals. The Lakers are expected to re-sign restricted free agent Max Christie, 21, who reportedly has interest from rival teams, although the Lakers could match any offer he receives.
The Lakers’ roster crunch could lead them to explore trades in an effort to improve and organize the roster ahead of JJ Redick’s first season as head coach.
The Lakers originally selected Russell second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. The team traded him to Brooklyn and then reacquired him from Minnesota in 2021 at the trade deadline for the Russell Westbrook deal.
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This story originally appeared on Los Angeles Times.
