Lakers guard D’Angelo Russella player who is frequently mentioned in trade negotiations has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract, according to people with knowledge of the decision who are not authorized to speak publicly. The deal is worth $18.7 million.
Russell averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists on 45.6 percent shooting from the field and 41.5 percent shooting from 3-point range. His 226 3-pointers last season were a franchise record.
Friday was “D’Angelo Russell Day” in Louisville, Kentucky, in recognition of his philanthropy in his hometown.
Russell’s name has been a part of trade rumors for most of his time with the Lakers after uneven performances in the postseason.
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Russell, 28, and Christian Wood aren’t the only Lakers exercising their player options. According to Athletic, Jaxson Hayes accepts his agreement. Cam Reddish and LeBron James have until Saturday to make decisions on their options.
The decisions have left the Lakers with a nearly full roster heading into free agency. The team added four players during the NBA draft, including two on two-way deals. The Lakers were expected to re-sign restricted free agent Max Christie, 21, who is said to have interest from contending teams, though the Lakers can match any offer he receives.
The Lakers’ roster crisis could lead them to explore trades in an effort to improve and organize the roster ahead of JJ Redick’s first season as coach.
The Lakers originally selected Russell second overall in the 2015 NBA draft. The team traded him to Brooklyn and then reacquired him from Minnesota in 2021 at the trade deadline in the Russell Westbrook deal.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.