D’Angelo Russell, the star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, is no stranger to trade rumors. Having been traded multiple times before, Russell’s name has once again been thrown into the trade discussions. This time, the rumors started after he waived his right of refusal on any trade for the next year when he signed his lucrative two-year, $36 million contract.
When asked about the trade rumors and his decision to waive his right, Russell was straightforward in his response. He stated, “I don’t care at all. Show up to work.” He acknowledged that he cannot control whether or not he gets traded and emphasized his focus on playing the game. Russell explained, “I just thought it made sense [to waive veto power]. Obviously, I’ve been here before. I played for the Lakers before, so I know what the requirements are to be successful here.”
Initially starting the season as the team’s starting point guard, Russell faced some challenges when the team went through a 6-8 slump in December. Head Coach Darvin Ham made the decision to bench Russell during this period with the support of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, Russell was later reinstated as a starter, and the team experienced an 8-5 stretch since then.
During this stretch, Russell has been performing exceptionally well, averaging 24.0 points and 6.5 assists while shooting an impressive 46.6% from beyond the arc. His performance has made an impact on the Lakers’ thinking at the trade deadline. Initially, the Lakers were willing to package Russell with future draft picks in exchange for Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. However, with Russell’s recent success, the Lakers have dialed back their pursuit of Murray.
This change of heart on Russell has caused some uncertainty for the Lakers as they continue their pursuit of Murray. There have been rumors swirling about a potential trade for Murray, but opinions have been swayed due to Russell’s strong performance. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of what moves they will make.
In conclusion, D’Angelo Russell remains unfazed by the trade rumors surrounding him. He is focused on his game and understands that he cannot control the outcome. With his recent success, the Lakers’ plans for the trade deadline have been altered, leaving them uncertain about their pursuit of Dejounte Murray.
Hawks Targeting Austin Reaves, Lakers Uninterested in Trade
In a shocking turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks have set their sights on Austin Reaves. However, the Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with Reaves or entertaining any offers for him. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers may consider trading Reaves, but only if it means acquiring a legitimate third star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Apart from Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, who still holds significant value to the Lakers, the rest of the team’s potential trade candidates are deemed unattractive in the market. Buha’s sources suggest that the Lakers may not have many options, especially with just one first-round pick at their disposal. It seems that the Lakers might opt to stay put and refrain from making any major moves.
This article was written by Josh Buckhalter, an experienced NBA and NFL reporter. Buckhalter’s insights and analysis can be found on various platforms, including Heavy.com. Stay connected for more updates on the latest sports news.