D’Angelo Russell/Lakers split coming after latest offseason rumors

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell has had a bit of a tough go in the NAB when it comes to finding a home. While he is so good that contenders and wannabees keep trading for him to provide a solid burst of offense, he isn’t good enough for that team to give him a long-term contract extension.

The former All-Star point guard might not find it very easy to land a third gig with the Lakers, as his play started to take a major dip when the postseason came around. Russell’s poor play was one of many reasons that the Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets.

Still, the Lakers have to be very aware of the fact that they can’t justify giving him a huge contract after his postseason failures. Based on what he is expected to command on the open market, the latest rumors make it seem like he is not going to return to the purple and gold.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Russell could be in line for a two-year extension worth as much as $67 million. However, the Lakers are likely not going to pay him such a rich contract. The hunt for a potential third star alongside Lebron and AD appears poised to continue.

The Los Angeles Lakers might not bring back D’Angelo Russell.

Russell averaged 17.2 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Lakers while making more than 41% of his 3-point shots. Russell’s per game averages were right on par with what he was doing with the Timberwolves prior to the trade that sent him back to Los Angeles.

Russell tore things up in the first round against the Grizzlies, but both the Warriors and Nuggets kept him in check. Russell’s per game stats dropped to 11.5 points and 3.9 assists per contest while making just 42% of his shots. Is that worth paying such a high price tag for?

If Rob Pelinka is still big game hunting, Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet are among the eye-catching names that LA could pursue if they get sick of Russell. While Los Angeles might not be the best spot for him right now, there will be a ton of teams who are dying to sign him.

2 Lakers who have earned untouchable status, 2 who haven’t

The Los Angeles Lakers have several players on the roster who have definitely reached untouchable status. However, other players failed to earn that nod.