(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten a lot of credit over the weekend for being the early winner in NBA free agency, as the team has made multiple moves that all have the franchise heading in the right direction.
One move that was somewhat questionable for the Lakers was the re-signing of veteran guard D’Angelo Russell, who really struggled to make an impact during the team’s playoff run to the Western Conference Finals.
Along with Russell’s struggles, it was thought that he’d be looking for a lucrative long-term deal in free agency this summer, but he ultimately settled for a two-year deal worth $37 million, with a player option for the second year.
This deal has some torn as to whether the Lakers made the right move, but Skip Bayless of Fox Sports is convinced that Los Angeles bringing back the veteran guard was a solid signing.
I do not mind the Lakers giving D’Angelo Russell almost 20 mil a year for 2 years. He is just SO TALENTED. And so experienced. Will he be there when you really need him? Sometimes. But it’s a long season, and he will help you win a lot of games. He’s just … that … good.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 1, 2023
With the Lakers having multiple options in the backcourt moving forward, the team has brought in some insurance in case Russell turns out to be a bust in his second stint with the franchise.
LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish, and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino can all play in the backcourt, making the Lakers a very deep team with or without Russell.
However, Russell will likely be the starter at the point guard position to begin the 2023-24 NBA season unless Vincent or Reaves gets the nod over the 27-year-old.
It’ll be interesting to see if Russell can turn things and help the Lakers make another deep run in the playoffs next season.
The post Skip Bayless Has A Strong Opinion About D’Angelo Russell’s New Contract appeared first on The Cold Wire.