D'Angelo Russell crushed many of the Los Angeles Lakers' dreams and aspirations with untimely playoff disappearances and disappointing outings. This time around, it is the former second overall pick who is staring down a massive letdown — if what the rumor mill is musing is accurate.
Brett Siegel rounded up a ton of rumor mill gossip surrounding the buyout market in his latest intel drop. Russell was one of the key figures discussed in the report. The Dallas Mavericks traded their point guard to the Washington Wizards before the deadline as a part of the Anthony Davis deal. DLo has yet to suit up for his new team.
It looks like that may change in the near future. Russell was someone many fans would have quickly identified as a buyout candidate. However, the interest in the 30-year-old guard just did not exist in enough abundance for that to happen.
Siegel wrote, "Will Dawkins told reporters after the trade deadline that he wouldn't ask the veteran guard to show up until the organization figured out what was best for both parties.
... Upon receiving no interest from other teams around the league, Russell may actually play for the Wizards."
D'Angelo Russell staying right where he is in Washington's basketball purgatory
To be eligible for a playoff roster, which was reportedly the teams who could have prompted a buyout decision, Russell would need to be waived today. Mar. 1 is here and the former Laker is still in Washington with no immediate indication of that happening (granted, the NBA moves fast).
Two dates to pay attention to:
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 27, 2026
Sunday March 1 @ 11:59PM ET.
Last date to waive a player and still be eligible for the postseason.
Wednesday March 4
Last date to sign a player to a Two-Way contract
Anyone in Los Angeles would not be surprised about a team not wanting Russell on a playoff roster. Russell's lowlights with the Lakers were brutal. Do not dare ask any fan about where their former point guard was during the 2023 Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. It's still a sore spot.
Russell had a rough year with the Mavericks in 2025-26 too. The veteran was benched despite a clear need at the point guard position in Dallas. The situation was so dire that Jason Kidd was starting Cooper Flagg at the lead guard spot for a time.
Russell averaged 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game with the Mavericks, shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from beyond the arc. It probably does not take long to figure out where the issues were in that situation.
Perhaps Russell can rebuild some of his own value down the stretch of this season. Every Lakers fan, though, will be understanding of why he is stuck in Washington instead of heading to a contender.