Following multiple trade rumors, all eyes have been on Lakers star D’Angelo Russell’s performances, which have been beyond phenomenal to say the least. This season, the Lakers find themselves at a very crucial juncture having lost more games than they have won while battling multiple injury issues.
Amidst these issues, D’Angelo found his name mentioned multiple times in various trade packages that would end the star’s time with the Lakers. However, Russell’s recent spike in performances has left the Lakers’ front office with not knowing what to do regarding the player.
Lakers Considering Retaining Russell
This season, D’Angelo Russell has had quite a tumultuous ride with numerous ups and downs surrounding his performances. D’Angelo has been incredibly crucial to the Lakers’ rotation, playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing much-needed variation to the team’s offense.
Having started in 34 of the 41 games, the 27-year-old is averaging 16.6 points per game, and 6.2 assists. While these stats seem mediocre, it is last few games that have gained league-wide attention. Over the last five games, D’Angelo is averaging 27.2 points per game from 55.9% shooting along with 6.4 assists.
Amidst his sudden hot form, the Lakers’ stance on Russell has changed substantially with reports that the team wants to keep the services of the player beyond the deadline and would like to build upon the elevated performances of the young star.
The improved stance of the Lakers comes as a cause of concern as the team tries to land the services of Atlanta Hawks star, Dejounte Murray. The acquisition of Murray, however, is easier than done considering the lackluster deals that the team plans to offer the Hawks.
Challenges in Acquiring Dejounte Murray
The Los Angeles Lakers have been lavishing the services of Hawks’ star Dejounte Murray since the start of the year in an attempt to add a defensive-oriented scoring option to the team, an option the team currently lacks.
Through D’Angelo Russell, the team is assured of consistent scoring but will lack the defensive intensity required to stop teams. On the other hand, the Lakers have one of the best perimeter defenders in the league through Jarred Vanderbilt.
That’s where Dejounte Murray comes in. The young star has established himself as a defender while also presenting as an elite scorer. More recently, the player elevated himself in the basketball world with back-to-back game-winners for the Atlanta Hawks.
With Dejounte Murray’s trade stock skyrocketing, landing the player is a monumental task for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers. The reality for the Lakers is that they are not in a position to leverage any trade that places them in a secondary position for the young star.
One of the most commonly talked-about trade included Austin Reaves and other role players, splitting the fans of the Purple and Gold. In short, the Lakers face a dilemma in this trade window, aware that change is mandatory for the team to succeed in the NBA Playoffs if they qualify for the postseason this year.
What are your thoughts on the stance of the Lakers to retain D’Angelo Russell? Will the Lakers make the playoffs with their current roster? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions regarding the team, so feel free to comment below.
