After a tough begin to the season, D’Angelo Russell has solidified himself because the Lakers’ place to begin guard. This summer time, the Ohio State product is in prime place to capitalize on the very best season of his profession with a large payday.
Whereas Russell has expressed his intentions to stay in Los Angeles, a minimum of one workforce within the East has set its sights on attempting to pry him away from the Lakers. In accordance with Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Orlando Magic are anticipated to pursue Russell in free company.
“Orlando’s the workforce,” Buha mentioned on his YouTube livestream lately. “Speaking to individuals with the Lakers, speaking to individuals exterior the Lakers, Orlando is the workforce that in all probability provides them [the Lakers] essentially the most concern by way of a possible suitor.”
Shedding Russell in free company might show to be a devastating blow for the Lakers, who had the chance to lock up the guard to a long-term contract final summer time however as a substitute gave him a two-year take care of a participant choice.
After all, the Lakers will not really feel the pinch of dropping Russell if their grand summer time plan involves fruition. Per a number of insiders, the Rob Pelinka-led entrance workplace is anticipated to pursue a 3rd star through commerce to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis forward of the 2024-25 season. The likes of Donovan Mitchell, Trae Younger and Kyrie Irving have been earmarked as potential targets for the Purple & Gold.
If the Lakers fail to land a type of stars, they may very well be pressured to again up the brinks truck to retain Russell and run it again with the identical roster.
