The Los Angeles Lakers could look significantly different when they report to training camp at the end of this summer, as a number of their players are about to become free agents. On the other hand, they could look much the same, as they have reportedly prioritized running it back as much as possible.
One big question is what will happen with guard D’Angelo Russell, whom they acquired in February’s big Russell Westbrook trade. Russell had a lot to do with Los Angeles’ midseason turnaround, as he played very well in the regular season. But he was inconsistent in the first two rounds of the playoffs and downright terrible in the Western Conference Finals versus the Denver Nuggets.
There have been rumors that perhaps the team would look to package him in a sign-and-trade for a bigger name such as Kyrie Irving or Chris Paul. But according to Jovan Buha, it looks like the Lakers will at least try to keep Russell on a new contract.
Via The Athletic:
“For the first time in the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era, the Lakers are expected to prioritize continuity and chemistry over chasing flashier upgrades this offseason.
“That could always change based on the Lakers’ track record and how the rest of free agency plays out. But all indications, both publicly and privately, point to the organization planning to re-sign restricted free agents Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura and unrestricted free agent D’Angelo Russell, as The Athletic previously reported.”
Russell put up 17.4 points and 6.1 assists a game on 48.4 percent overall shooting and 41.4 percent 3-point shooting in 17 regular season games with the Purple and Gold this year. His ability to handle the ball, set up teammates, create his own shot and hit from the outside can allow James to expend less energy and stay fresh late in games and late in the season.
