D’Angelo Russell was the star of the show on Sunday night as the Los Angeles Lakers blew out the Portland Trail Blazers 134-110. At the end of the contest, though, the 27-year-old looked quite sad as he sat on the bench.
They’re trading him aren’t they 💔 pic.twitter.com/2wbY0yLgug
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 22, 2024
Russell’s postgame interview on the court did little to dispel the notion that something might be up here. The former All-Star sounded a bit off as he spoke about the game.
“I mean that’s what we all dream to do,” Russell said. “You go back to growing up, you practice moves, you try things in your backyard. Never thought you’d actually get the chance to do it. Never thought I’d be able to pull a bounce pass lob to LeBron James in a game. Things like that just keeps you going, keeps you enjoying the game, just fun.”
DLO sounds off… pic.twitter.com/eidC2eAeGD
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) January 22, 2024
The mood in the locker room after the game also gives more credence to the notion that the end might be near for Russell’s time with the Lakers. Despite just getting a big win, it appears the locker room was all too quiet.
“Lakers locker room quiet, DLO sounds emotional, Rui doesn’t look right. Something is going on.”
Lakers locker room quiet, DLO sounds emotional, Rui doesn’t look right. Something is going on… 🤔
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) January 22, 2024
We’ll find out soon enough if this was just Russell being a bit emotional after putting in an incredible performance or if he knew his time in L.A. was coming to an end. If it is the latter, he is certainly going out with a bang.
Against the Trail Blazers, he had a game-high 34 points to go with 1 rebound, 8 assists, and 2 blocks. Russell is now averaging 27.2 points per game since he was reinserted into the starting lineup earlier this month but you wonder if even these strong displays would be enough for the Lakers to decide against trading him.
The Lakers Reportedly Tried To Trade D’Angelo Russell For Dejounte Murray And Andrew Wiggins
With how underwhelming the 2023-24 season has been for the Lakers, they have been trying to make some moves to turn things around. The one name that has seemingly come up in every reported trade is Russell’s.
The Lakers reportedly offered Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and draft picks for Dejounte Murray. Talks between the teams stalled, but are expected to pick up as we get closer to the February 8 trade deadline.
Also, the Lakers reportedly offered Russell to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins at some point this season. If the Lakers do end up making some big trade, it seems inevitable at this stage that Russell would be a part of it.
Darvin Ham Praised D’Angelo Russell For Staying Professional
With his name being dangled in trade talks, it would have been easy for Russell to not give it his all for the team, but he hasn’t gone that route. During his postgame press conference following the win, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham praised Russell for being a professional.
“He has done a wonderful job being a pro about all of it,” Ham said. “So much stuff that we can’t control and that said he’s just really locked in on his game. Focusing on ways he can help the team. Communicating, competing. Tonight was one of the most complete games I’ve seen him play since he’s been back in a Laker uniform.”
(starts at 8:13 mark):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKSNXSw-IU0
It certainly was one of his finest performances, and it helped the Lakers get back to .500 at 22-22. Russell has shown a lot of maturity with how he has kept his head down and gotten to work and deserves praise for it.
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