Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons to pursue D’Angelo Russell in free agency

– Adding an All-Star

While we don’t know exactly how much cap space the Lakers will have as of now, we know that they should have some flexibility when it comes to signing free agents. With the Lakers potentially having enough money for a max player, that appears to be the first goal. However, providing solid depth around LeBron James and Anthony Davis is also a viable option.

Last season, Russell was able to make his first All-Star team with the Brooklyn Nets. Russell had a great season and was very deserving of the nomination, however, he shouldn’t be a max contract player just yet.

Adding a third player like Russell with LeBron, Davis, and Kuzma would result in one of the best starting fives or finishing fives in the league depending if Kuzma started or came off the bench. With Kuzma’s potential to score 20 points a night, the Lakers would have a lot of firepower.

If adding a third star is the goal for the Lakers, Russell should certainly fill that criteria. While he might not be a name like Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, or Kyrie Irving, Russell is an All-Star caliber player now. And he’s really just getting started.