Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell played a huge part in helping the Lakers secure a play-in spot this season after an abysmal opening stretch of play. This week, however, he’ll face one of his biggest tests yet as a Laker during the play-in tournament against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
D’Lo left the Wolves under questionable circumstances as his leadership and maturity were called into question. Poeticly, Russell and his new team will hold the fate of the new-look Wolves in their hands but that doesn’t mean it’s personal.
“It’s not the fact that they traded me, but the fact that they’re in the way of what we’re trying to get done, that’s all that really matters to me,” said Russell. “Trying to start to prepare mentally right now.”
D'Angelo Russell on playing the Timberwolves in the Play-In:
"It's not the fact that they traded me, but the fact that they're in the way of what we're trying to get done, that's all that really matters to me. Trying to start to prepare mentally right now."
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) April 9, 2023
Besides proving something to his former team, Russell has more to play for in these playoffs. As a free agent this summer, he’ll be playing for a fresh new contract from the Lakers that could keep him in town, and handsomely paid, for the remainder of his NBA prime.
But depending on what happens this summer, and whether or not the Lakers flame out early, the Lakeshow could look to replace Russell with a true veteran superstar.
Lakers Will Have To Choose Between D’Angelo Russell And Kyrie Irving
In the aftermath of a failed campaign with the Mavericks, the Lakers could carry out a plan to replace some of their newest acquisitions with LeBron’s former teammate, Kyrie Irving.
Despite a complicated history, he could be the perfect fit next to James and Davis and might just be the final piece that moves the Lakers over the top.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Irving said on recruitment efforts from LeBron. “But I think you heard in this interview. As much of the what-ifs as I’d like to focus on and cherish what could have been or should have been, I have to shift my focus to what we have going on here. That’s what brings me peace, just taking care of what I can control and really embracing my teammates .”
Only time will tell who the Lakers will end up with in the end, but they cannot afford to make any more mistakes. Thanks to Rob Pelinka, the team finally has a decent roster but it doesn’t take much to bring it all down.
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