D’Angelo Russell had a tough outing in the last season. Things kept happening pretty fast for him. In mid-season, he moved back to Los Angeles Lakers but received mixed reviews from the Lakers Nation. However, it is undeniable that his entry into the roster provided the Lakers with much-needed balance. He was great in the regular season. In fact, D’Angelo Russell helped the 17-time champions to make the postseason. However, in the offseason, D’Lo was among the unrestricted free agents. On the other hand, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura were restricted free agents.
Moreover, there was a good possibility that the Lakers might trade D’Lo Russell to Miami Heat or other interested franchises. However, the front office surprised everybody as they retained D’Angelo Russell for a two-year contract extension worth $37 million. Moreover, Russell has a player option in his second year. Despite a promising two-year extension, things have not been all sweet and smooth between the Lakers and D’Angelo Russell. Moreover, things took a controversial turn as D’Lo Russell unfollowed his team on Instagram recently.
What Does D’Los Social Media Activity Signify?
Apparently, Russell’s social media activity raises questions about the chemistry between him and the Lakers. It seems like Russell is not happy with the LA side and may want to part ways. On the other hand, James Harden has displayed interest in leaving the Philadelphia 76ers due to his dislike of Daryl Morey. Hence, the question arises if the Lakers trade Russell for Harden. The fans wonder if the two sides are in talks regarding a deal to exchange those two unhappy players. What if LeBron James and Anthony Davis push the front office to bring in James Harden?
But the Lakers GM mentioned that they don’t see D’Angelo Russell as a short-term rental. Rob Pelinka mentioned his suits ideally to their roster with his basketball IQ, playmaking, and shooting. But the question remains, then, why Russell suddenly unfollowed the Los Angeles Lakers on Instagram? Moreover, the Lakers Nation wonder if James Harden is a better choice for the side to fight for their 18th title. But to bring in Harden, the Lakers would have to trade Rui Hachimura along with D’Angelo Russell and a few more first and second-round picks for 2029. Hence, it is unlikely that the Lakers would go that way.
D’Angelo Russell Helped Lakers To Make The Postseason, But He Flopped In The Playoffs
Many feared the Lakers might miss out on the postseason for the second year in a row. But the front office brought necessary reinforcements after they traded Russell Westbrook. Among those mid-season trades, D’Angelo Russell became an essential and integral part of the team in the regular season. However, D’Lo could not live up to the expectations in the playoffs. He really disappointed the Lakers Nation as well as the Laker’s front office.
His average shooting from and beyond the arc prominently dropped down. Apparently, D’Lo could not contribute enough to the team’s journey through the playoffs to reach the Western Conference. On top of that, many fans blamed D’Lo Russell for the Laker’s loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. D’Angelo Russell saw a drop in his value after a disappointing outing in the conference finals.
