Russell said Friday that he will exercise his $18.69 million player option for 2024-25 to remain with the Lakers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Though Russell disappointed in the Lakers' five-game first-round playoff series loss to the Nuggets, he delivered a strong 2023-24 season overall, fueled by a strong close to the campaign once he moved back into a starting role in mid-January. In 76 appearances for the Lakers, Russell averaged 18.0 points on 45.6 percent shooting from the field, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers and 0.9 steals in 32.7 minutes. Though Russell once again projects to slot in as the Lakers' starting point guard under first-year head coach J.J. Redick, the 28-year-old's expiring contract could make him vulnerable to a trade if Los Angeles seeks an upgrade at the position as the 2024-25 season unfolds.
Lakers' D'Angelo Russell: Another poor shooting performance
Rotowire
Russell closed Monday's 108-106 loss to the Nuggets in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 14 points (6-15 FG, 2-10 3Pt), one rebound and six assists in 39 minutes.
Russell finished the opening-round series shooting 38.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from deep. He had a pair of standout performances, but his overall production was too inconsistent. It was a disappointing end to what was a solid season for the veteran point guard. Russell appeared in 76 games (69 starts) and averaged 18.0 points on 45.6/41.5/82.8 shooting splits during the regular season.
