The Los Angeles Lakers have been relentless in their pursuit of Dejounte Murray, trying to get a deal done by offering D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and draft compensation. The deal hasn’t materialized and the Hawks host the Lakers tonight in a drama-filled matchup.
As Russell was taking free throws in the game, Hawks fans broke out in a chant of ‘We don’t want you’, referring to the Hawks reportedly claiming they won’t deal with the Lakers unless D’Lo is sent to a third team.
Hawks fans chanting “We don’t want you!” with D’Angelo Russell at the FT line pic.twitter.com/fdH7yysOP7
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 31, 2024
D’Angelo Russell has been having a great stretch of games over his last seven appearances, averaging 27.1 points and 6.0 assists. Unfortunately, he was as cold as possible against the Hawks, scoring just nine points on 11 shots through the first three quarters as the Lakers entered the final 12 minutes of the game while trailing by 17 points.
The Lakers are playing against Atlanta without Anthony Davis. The team is yet to win a game this season where Davis wasn’t available. Thankfully, AD hasn’t missed more than three games this year, otherwise, they could’ve been in a similar position as the Warriors in the 12th seed.
Russell seemed to play his way out of trade talks recently, but this stinker compared to Dejounte putting up 14 points and eight assists through three quarters on efficiency shooting makes the Lakers’ decision to try and move him for Murray look worth it.
D’Angelo Russell Is Yet To Secure His Future
It’s hard to put yourself in D’Angelo Russell’s shoes, as he’s performed at the level of the best guards in the NBA over the last month. However, his inconsistency is extremely concerning. He was on a tear for the last two weeks and is having a dreadful showing against the Hawks. This is the kind of performance that ends up being the impetus behind a trade.
With the Lakers in Atlanta, it’ll be easier for Rob Pelinka to negotiate with the Hawks over a possible Murray deal. The Lakers have made it clear they don’t want to offer up Austin Reaves in a deal like that, protecting an asset like Reaves for a different and arguably bigger splash if needed. The Hawks have made it clear they don’t want D’Angelo Russell, but they’re yet to find a third team who’d be willing to accept him.
Russell signed a two-year contract with the Lakers this season, making $17.3 million this year with the opportunity to opt out in the 2024 free agency. If Russell manages to revive his value around the NBA, the Lakers stand to lose Russell for nothing regardless in the summer. If D’Lo manages to make it past the deadline in a Lakers jersey, he holds all the cards and could have leverage over the Lakers heading into free agency.
He’s averaging 17.3 points and 6.1 assists this season.
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