Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell plans to opt-in to the final year of his contract for $18.7 million, he told Swish Cultures the day before the decision deadline.
The 28-year-old Russell is coming off a strong season with Los Angeles thanks to a strong second half, finishing his ninth season with averages of 18.0 points on 45.6% shooting (41.5% from 3-point range), 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds.
The Lakers have had trade talks with multiple teams about Russell to bolster their point guard position after he struggled last season against the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference finals.
After drafting Dalton Knecht 17th and Bronny James 55th this week, L.A. still has the capacity to trade two future first-round picks, which, combined with an expiring contract worth the same amount as Russell's, could give the Lakers a new lineup.
The Lakers replaced head coach Darvin Ham, who had some disagreements with Russell, with JJ Redick after the team ended their season with another playoff loss to Denver.
Redick, who was a great three-point shotter during his playing days, said he expects all of his players to shoot more three-pointers next season. It's only natural that Redick would appreciate the skills of Russell, who broke the Lakers' single-season three-point shot record with 226 attempts last season.