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The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to gain traction at the start of the 2024-2025 NBA season.
One rather obvious (and overdue) move could contribute to that, and the Lakers may already know it.
Through the first few weeks of this campaign, D’Angelo Russell has disappeared from the starting lineup and according to one Jake Fischer report for B/R, to “the (trade) block,” where he is “available as an outgoing salary for the Lakers.”
To be honest, this report could actually serve more as a reminder of Russell’s availability. He’s barely one fresh face on the trading market.
Perhaps there was an internal belief – or at least hope – that a new beginning with new coach JJ Redick would help Russell bring out the best. That clearly didn’t happen. Russell’s shooting has dropped (40.7 percent from the field, 31.1 percent from three), and his role has been reduced accordingly. Past the relegation to the second team, Russell’s 20.3 the usage rate is the lowest of his career (by a not insignificant margin), per Basketball Reference.
It may be tempting for some to look at the calendar and wonder if it’s too early to say this can’t work. To Russell’s credit, he has taken on the role change and played well as a speedy sub in his two games as a reserve so far (both double-digit Lakers wins, by the way).
However, a number of important matters are lost sight of.
First, Purple and Gold have seen this pattern before. In each of the past two postseasons, the Lakers have seen Russell go cool and cut away his opportunities. When they’ve had the most to gain, they’ve often concluded that their best hope of doing so is to cut down on Russell.
Second, even if Russell finds a rhythm in his new role, Los Angeles will have to weigh whether it is important enough to justify the cost. Russells $18.7 million The salary is the third highest on the team, according to Spotrac. Outside of Hall of Famer Manu Ginóbili, it’s hard to think of many offensive sixth men worth such coin.
That said, the Lakers have an opportunity to parlay Russell’s contract into something that helps better balance the roster.
That’s a high salary amount to have the money working on many different deals. So whether LA pursues a third star or seeks an impact support player (perhaps one to bring in Anthony Davis), Russell’s contract could help grease the wheels of a substantial trade.
His trade value may be minimal on its own, but combine that contract with a combination of trade assets (future draft picks, young players like Jalen Hood-Schifino or Maxwell Lewis) and the budget increases dramatically. If the Lakers want to make an even bigger swing, they could include Rui Hachimura or even Austin Reaves.
LA may only have one shot at a big trade, but that’s still one shot at finding a difference maker. And it’s hard to argue that this club doesn’t need one to claw its way into the championship race.
The Lakers are 6-4 this season and ranked a disappointing 16th in net efficiency (minus-0.5 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com). Nothing about this team seems ready to compete, except for the still-intact star pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who has already brought one title to this franchise.
The urgency to act as James, who turns 40 next month, and Davis, who turns 32 in March, could potentially put a club in contention is at an all-time high. James’ retirement can’t be far in the future, so it could literally be now or never for these Lakers.
Their next move is obvious, and they have seemingly conceded as much. If they want a chance to join the championship chase, they should try out a Russell trade.
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