Since D’Angelo Russell moved to the bench, the Los Angeles Lakers have become less eager to part with him via trade.

Per link points’ Anthony IrwinRussell’s increased production has led the Lakers away from a trade for Russell and toward a trade involving Gabe Vincent.

“In conversations with sources close to the Lakers, Russell playing well in this role might make them a little more reluctant to part ways with him as the bench unit has struggled severely with Gabe Vincent at the helm,” Irwin wrote. “If this is actually who Russell can be for the rest of the season, the Lakers might get even pickier about who they trade him for, or look for a more reliable option than Vincent as part of a Russell trade. “

Russell is averaging 12.1 points, 4.8 assists, 2.1 rebounds and one steal per game this season. He came off the bench for Los Angeles the past five games, posting 12.2 points, 3.4 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.

As Irwin mentioned, the Lakers’ bench struggled early this season, and Vincent has been at the forefront of that struggle. In 13 games, Vincent is averaging just 2.9 points and one rebound per game in 18.1 minutes.

In place of Russell, JJ Redick has swapped starting roles between Cam Reddish and rookie Dalton Knecht. Reddish is averaging 4.7 points and three rebounds per game, while Knecht is averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The first-round pick out of Tennessee had a career-high 27 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.

The Lakers started 4-4 before Russell moved to the bench. They have now won five in a row and appear to have the qualities of a play-off team.

While Russell would much prefer a starting role at this point in his career, coming off the bench has served both him and the Lakers well and could keep him in the purple and gold after the trade deadline passes.