The 2024 NBA offseason has been a quiet one for the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving fans craving a splashy move. Hopes were high when LeBron James hinted at a “substantial pay cut” to bring in a big name like Klay Thompson or DeMar DeRozan, but nothing materialized, and James signed for nearly the max. Now, the Lakers face a critical decision: should they bet big on D’Angelo Russell to elevate their game or continue searching for another star?
NBA Rumors Explode: Will the Lakers Bet Big on D’Angelo Russell?
Rumors still swirl. Lauri Markkanen and Jerami Grant have been mentioned as potential targets, but the reality is stark. Markkanen seems content with the Utah Jazz, and Grant alone won’t turn the Lakers into a Western Conference juggernaut.
Financially, the Lakers are hamstrung by the second luxury tax apron. Trading for a high-cost star is nearly impossible. The one tradable asset, D’Angelo Russell and his $18.7 million salary, poses a challenge. Finding a team willing to take on Russell is no easy feat. Portland, for instance, is not interested, already overloaded with guards.
Russell’s trade value is lukewarm at best. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha notes that players like Russell have “neutral to negative trade value.” Yet, if the Lakers are to contend with their core of James and Anthony Davis, Russell must be part of the equation.
Enter J.J. Redick, the Lakers’ new head coach, tasked with a monumental challenge. Redick envisions a system tailored to the roster, featuring James off the ball and Davis as a late-game focal point. Developing Russell into a more consistent performer is crucial. Despite his offensive talents—averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists last season—Russell’s defensive liabilities and postseason disappearances loom large.
Redick, a sharpshooter in his playing days, might be the key to unlocking Russell’s potential. Can he stabilize Russell’s shooting and mask his defensive weaknesses? It’s a high-stakes experiment. Redick’s lack of coaching experience could either be a breath of fresh air or a recipe for disaster.
The Lakers need Russell to raise his trade value significantly if they hope to secure a beneficial in-season trade. His dismal postseason performance—38.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from beyond the arc—hasn’t helped. The clock is ticking; the trade deadline is February 6.
Redick’s mission is clear: get Russell to mesh with the team, elevate his game, and change the narrative. If successful, the Lakers might once again become a formidable playoff contender. Underdogs, perhaps, but with James and Davis leading the charge, anything is possible.
The Lakers are at a crossroads, balancing hope and reality. The stakes are high, and the road ahead is uncertain. Redick’s unorthodox approach might just be the wildcard the Lakers need. Yet, the specter of past failures and defensive shortcomings cannot be ignored. Success hinges on chemistry, strategy, and a bit of luck.
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