D’Angelo Russell reminds Lakers fans he’s likely to be traded

The Los Angeles Lakers won their first three games to start the 2024-25 season before dropping two straight. Their issues are bubbling up, including a lack of production from their second unit and Gabe Vincent struggling to find his role. New head coach JJ Redick has made several positive adjustments, but the team’s biggest issue may be D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistency.

The veteran guard had ten points, five assists, and three rebounds in Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Cavaliers, but he shot just two of seven from the field and was frustrating on both ends of the floor. It had fans in a panic on Twitter.

Fans know what DLo is at this point. He is in his fifth season with the Lakers and remains a streaky player. The 28-year-old has had three poor performances and two strong ones to begin this season, but fans may finally get their wish. Russell’s contract and salary line up for him to be moved before Feb. 6.

D’Angelo Russell is the most likely Laker to be traded before the deadline

The Lakers desperately need 3-point shooting around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Russell is the team’s best shooter but has made just seven of his 28 3-point attempts through five games. Redick is prioritizing AD and Austin Reaves, which has left DLo trying to fit in. Clearly, he is not viewed as a crucial piece under the new head coach.

Russell is on an $18.6 million expiring contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 and is the Lakers' third-highest-paid player. They will need to move DLo as a salary-matcher if they plan on getting back a key piece. The team acquiring could buy out Russell if they have no interest in keeping him on their roster, so there should be no qualms about acquiring the veteran.

DLo is a subpar defender and his offensive production dips in the playoffs. He will score and make plays in the regular season, but the Lakers need another difference-maker when the games matter most. Russell is not the answer, and Los Angeles should trade him before the deadline.

Austin Reaves is ready to take on more ball-handling responsibilities, which gives the Lakers options on who to acquire. They could get a true point guard or a sharpshooting wing capable of playing stout defense. No deal will come cheap, but LA must make a move if they want to seriously contend for a championship in 2025. With LeBron James nearing his 40th birthday, it is now or never for this version of the Lakers.

D’Angelo Russell has been in trade rumors for years and dealt four times in his first nine NBA seasons. Do the Los Angeles Lakers make it five in ten? The momentum is building, but Rob Pelinka and the front office must wait for the right move. It is likely to happen as the franchise chases another deep playoff run.