The Los Angeles Lakers received some good news late Friday night when starting point guard D’Angelo Russell reportedly decided to opt in to his player option for the 2024-25 season.
He will be owed $18.7 million for next year, and at the very least, he could be an important and somewhat attractive chip in a potential trade that would upgrade their roster. Otherwise, he will continue to supply L.A. with accurate 3-point shooting and reliable ball handling and playmaking, at least much of the time.
While making his decision Friday, Russell said his top priority is to win the NBA championship, something he has never come close to doing.
D’Angelo Russell tells me he intends to opt-in to his player option and stay with The Los Angeles Lakers. His number 1 priority is to win a championship @swishcultures_
— Jordan Richard (@JordanRichardSC) June 29, 2024
While the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals with him in 2023, they lost in the first round of this year’s playoffs. They fell both times to the Denver Nuggets, and they’re obviously hoping for better results next spring and summer.
Russell also seems to think highly of the Lakers’ hiring of head coach JJ Redick.
D’Angelo Russell to ESPN on his decision to opt in for the final year of his contract with the Lakers for $18.7 million: “I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 29, 2024
There have been some questions about how some Lakers players may react to Redick getting the job, especially since Redick is friends with LeBron James and has been co-hosting the “Mind the Game” podcast with James.
It looks like at least one other key player has given Redick his seal of approval.