The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make any significant moves this summer, but GM Rob Pelinka is working hard to change that. According to the latest intel from Jovan Buha, the focus now for the Purple and Gold is finding a replacement for D’Angelo Russell.
“If you are the Lakers and you are looking at a potential D’Angelo Russell trade at some point, as they have been shopping him and trying to move him since he opted in, it would be nice to have a player of Spencer Dinwiddie’s caliber on your roster so that if you do flip D’Lo for a big man or a wing, you don’t have to rely on Gabe Vincent or now potentially Hood-Schifino.”
D’Angelo Russell, 28, was first drafted by the Lakers back in 2015 with the second overall pick. Despite high expectations and a solid rookie campaign (13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game), he was traded after just two seasons to the Nets. A reunion seemed unlikely, but the Lakers reacquired him in the 2022-24 campaign as part of the Russell Westbrook trade. While fans were initially excited, things turned sour when he proved to be a liability in the playoffs.
After averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game last season, Russell failed to deliver when the Lakers needed him most, leading to months of trade rumors. With a player option for the 2024-25 season, Russell chose to accept the final year of his deal (worth $18.6 million) to stay with the Lakers instead of becoming a free agent.
Pelinka has been looking for a trade, but there are no takers at the moment. Due to years of inconsistency and contributing to poor locker-room culture, Russell’s reputation and play on the court aren’t enough for most teams to justify giving up assets for him.
The Lakers have considered trading for several players this summer, including Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Wendell Carter Jr., but none of those pursuits have panned out. It’s increasingly likely they’ll have to run it back with the same squad that finished 7th in the West last season.
The Lakers’ only hope is that JJ Redick can make enough of a difference to secure a top-six spot in the West and that rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James can contribute meaningfully.
As for Russell, his NBA future hinges on his performance next season. After failed stints with the Nets, Warriors, and Timberwolves, this contract year will be the biggest of his career. If he fails to live up to expectations, it could mean the end of his days making $18+ million per year and certainly the end of his time with the Lakers.