For months now, there have been many trade rumors involving Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers reportedly tried to trade him several months ago for one-time All-Star Dejounte Murray, and after he opted into the final year of his contract a few weeks ago, they’re still looking to trade him.
He’s a very good player and 3-point shooter during the regular season, but his playoff struggles, as well as his lack of athleticism and defensive ability, have made him prime trade bait in the minds of many.
Yet Russell still made his way to Paris to support Lakers teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis and take in Team USA basketball’s blowout win over Serbia on Sunday.
D’Angelo Russell was cheering for Team USA during their game against Serbia 🙌
(via @MRI_6H)pic.twitter.com/lwXmRPG8DQ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 29, 2024
Witnessing greatness. Ima fan.
— D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) July 28, 2024
Interestingly, Russell was seen sporting a blond hairdo at the game.
He averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists a game while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range this past season, and he was red-hot during the second half of the schedule. There’s an argument to be made that perhaps the Lakers shouldn’t be so aggressive in shopping him these days.
At the very least, he could have some real value closer to the trade deadline since his contract will expire after this coming season.
Russell will make roughly $18.7 million for the 2024-25 season.
