The Los Angeles Lakers saved their season thanks to multiple mid-season trades. D’Angelo Russell joined the team through one such trade.
While D’Lo’s arrival benefitted the Lakers in many regards, he was simply awful in the Western Conference Finals vs. the Denver Nuggets. Following the poor series by Russell, a Western Conference executive told Heavy Sports that LeBron James is not a huge fan of the 27-year-old.
“I hate to say one playoff series can change a franchise’s whole outlook on a guy because that just does not happen, but it is happening with some of the people in that building, maybe most significantly, with LeBron,” the Western Conference executive said, per Heavy Sports. “Is this a guy they want to invest in? Does LeBron want him back — there is talk that he is not Russell’s biggest fan?
He added: “But they gave up that pick [2027 first-rounder] to get him and I can tell you, that was like pulling teeth for some of them in that building. They gave up the pick, they are not letting him walk away.”
Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been a dream come true for D’Angelo Russell. For what it’s worth, the King also seemed to be enjoying sharing court with Russell until the Western Conference Final.
Russell averaged just 6.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 3.5 APG while shooting 32.3% from the field and 13.3% from the three-point line. D’Lo struggled throughout the series, and it played a crucial role in the Lakers getting eliminated.
D’Angelo Russell Wants To Return To The Los Angeles Lakers
Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers is an honor for any NBA player. After all, the Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history.
Speaking of Russell, his return to the team could be tricky. But the 27-year-old is confident in his skills and would love to be back on the team next season.
“As far as the future goes, I have no idea. I think when you put a group out there that knows the game and everybody wants the same goal, I think you’ll have some success,” Russell said. “We made it to the Western Conference Finals. I think Rob Pelinka has some decisions to make, not mine. Would love to be here and be able to tend to it and contribute to that. So, we’ll see.”
On most nights, Russell is an incredible threat on the offensive end of the floor. He may have been rendered useless by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, but he’s still a great player.
Despite that, if LeBron James doesn’t like Russell, it would be hard for the organization to re-sign him. After all, they wouldn’t want to further upset the King, who is already thinking about retiring this summer.
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