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The Lakers could become reluctant to trade D’Angelo Russell

Vaseline November 20, 2024

Recently, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made a bold move by moving point guard D’Angelo Russell to the bench and replacing him in the starting lineup with Cam Reddish.

It was a move that then-head coach Darvin Ham made last season and for which he received a lot of criticism. But this time it works, at least so far. Russell, who shot poorly in eight games as a starter, has played better as a reserve, boosting a very weak Lakers bench. The Lakers have won all five games they have played since Russell was moved to the bench.

As team insider Anthony Irwin noted, the former No. 2 overall pick is making a positive impact in his new role.

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“Russell is a very good offensive point guard,” Irwin wrote. “He understands the rhythm of the sport and keeps the system running. He did that for nine years as a starter. In a starting group with Davis, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, those skills aren’t as necessary.

“Against basic units and lesser defensive lines, not only are his own defensive concerns less damaging, he can also ensure that the formations he leads are absolutely feasting.

When he is on the court, the Lakers score 128.5 points per 100 possessions. Among Lakers who have played at least 100 minutes, Russell’s offensive rating on the court is the highest. Only Dalton’s 127.6 rating Knecht comes close. With two on the court at a time, the Lakers are scoring an insane 132.3 points per 100 possessions, the second-highest of any combination in the NBA. have played together for at least 100 minutes.”

He has been mentioned as trade bait by a number of players for almost an entire calendar year. But now, according to Irwin, the Lakers could soon become somewhat reluctant to part with him in a trade that could improve their roster.

“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. “

The market for Russell, who made the 2018-19 All-Star team and had a career-best performance last season, was very tepid, and that likely played a role in his decision to opt for the option year. his contract over the summer. But consistently improved play off the bench, combined with the fact that he is now on an expiring contract, could result in some interest in him from other teams in a month or two as the trade deadline approaches.