The Los Angeles Lakers significantly remodeled their roster last week by making three trades, one of which sent out Russell Westbrook and brought back D’Angelo Russell.
Russell, 26, has started his second stint with the Purple and Gold, and he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The trades L.A. made will not only set it up for increased success right now but also in the short-range future. It has gotten younger, more athletic and more balanced as far as skill sets.
Russell brings the Lakers a point guard who can be productive on and off the ball, whether he is distributing the ball and getting guys open shots, hitting 3-pointers or converting mid-range field goals.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday the two sides are expected to begin talks on a contract extension very soon.
Woj: "D'Angelo Russell & Lakers have mutual interest in contract extension."#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/5haowwrCTM
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) February 16, 2023
The guard has been shooting the ball at a high clip this season, and if that continues, he should be the Lakers’ solution to their long-standing hole at the point guard position.
