LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham explained the reason behind D’Angelo Russell leaving the previous game mid-way due to foot soreness.
Los Angeles Lakers reunited with its former rookie draft, D’Angelo Russell, during this year’s trade window. The purple and gold, desperate to turn a terrible season around, overhauled the starting lineup just ahead of the trade deadline in February. They shipped off the under-fire point guard, Russell Westbrook, and signed one from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ever since he arrived in Los Angeles, the Lakers’ fortune changed for the good. In D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers got what they needed the most, a consistent shooter. His average post donning the purple and gold jersey stands at 17.1 points and 6.3 assists with 39.8 shooting percent from the three-point range. However, just toward the end of the regular season, Russell faced a major scare injury scare.
D’Angelo Russell Left The Rockets’ Game Half Way Due To Left Foot Discomfort
The LA Lakers faced the Houston Rockets on Sunday and registered a cruising victory with a scoreline of 134-109. With the win, the team moved to the 7th seed and put in contention for the final playoff berth. However, during the game, point guard D’Angelo Russell, who scored six points, four assists, and three rebounds in just a matter of 15 minutes, left the game midway. He reportedly felt soreness in his troubled left foot and decided not to resume the matchup.
Further speaking on the matter, coach Darvin Ham ruled out any concerns and said it was just a precautionary measure. D’Angelo Russell felt some discomfort in his left foot but was fit enough to play. However, the Lakers decided to bench him for the rest of the game to avoid any further damage since the point guard is a key part of the Lakers’ success. While he would have to go for some scans before the final decision is taken, the coach looked confident of Russell’s return for the last few matchups.
Lakers Likely To Retain Russell In A Multi-Year Deal
Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell is all set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer after the end of the 2022-23 season. Moreover, the Lakers, who benefited the most from the point guard’s services, would seek his retention. Not only that, both parties reportedly are in a mutual agreement of a contract extension. It would likely be a multi-year deal with an annual salary of around $20 million. However, the team has recently raised issues on the guard’s fitness, and that would likely affect his overall contract negotiations.
Along with D’Angelo Russell, the Los Angeles Lakers also want to retain Austin Reaves. The forward, who went undrafted in 2021, has suddenly become a fan favorite in Hollywood. He stepped up for the team at the right time and won the Lakers a couple of crucial games. Moreover, Reaves is just 24 years old. Hence, the purple and gold would love to secure its future by retaining Austin in a long-term deal.
