(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
After a disappointing showing in the NBA playoffs, the one player the Los Angeles Lakers seemed on the fence about re-signing this summer was veteran guard D’Angelo Russell.
Even though Russell had shown that he had matured since his first stint with the Lakers and had moments of brilliance during the regular season, he became a liability in the playoffs with inconsistent play on both ends of the floor.
This led to a lot of speculation about his immediate future and whether the Lakers brass were willing to commit to him for a few more years.
Ultimately, despite taking more time than expected, the Lakers and Russell saw eye-to-eye on a new deal, but he may have a short time to prove his worth next season.
According to NBA Insider Keith Smith, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Russell won’t have a say if the team trades him, meaning he could be a trade chip ahead of the NBA trade deadline next season.
Team sources confirmed this to @TheAthleticNBA. This is a significant development for LA and their flexibility at the trade deadline. Under the old rules — and had D’Angelo Russell not waived his veto rights — he would’ve had a say in any trade out of LA. https://t.co/wSJX2Z1RR6
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 10, 2023
One of the most surprising moves for the Lakers this offseason was the signing of guard Gabe Vincent, formerly of the Miami Heat.
Vincent was coming off an impressive run in the playoffs with the Heat and significantly increased his value on the open market, with the Lakers acting quickly to sign him and bolster their backcourt.
The move seemed to suggest that Vincent is in the running to start at the point guard position, which obviously pushes Russell to the bench, where he may be better suited.
It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out in Los Angeles regarding the dynamic between Russell and Vincent.
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