SO SAD: Lakers key players train in tears today having two key player suspended by NCAA ahead of….
D’Angelo Russell answered the phone hours after being traded to Los Angeles during the midseason. Rob Pelinka, the general manager and president of basketball operations at the Lakers, was on the other end of the line on February 9, 2023, wishing to welcome the 28-year-old guard back to the team that selected him second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Russell heard Pelinka discuss the importance of his contributions to Los Angeles’s run for the postseason after the Lakers acquired him in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves at the deadline. How LeBron James, his childhood idol, whom the Lakers were able to sign in 2018 in part because of the cap-clearing deal that ended Russell’s first season with the organization, would be counted on to play point guard alongside him.
However, Russell, who was didn’t have the same hope as his new general manager after moving from the eighth-place Wolves to the 13th-place Lakers.
Russell said, “I told him we weren’t s—,” to ESPN. “[But] the team complemented one another … and we started winning.”
During the last two months of 2022–23, Los Angeles shot up to seventh place in the Western Conference. The run propelled the Lakers into the conference semifinals, and Russell performed admirably at key junctures.
In Game 6 of the first round, he finished with 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting to eliminate the Memphis Grizzlies. “I remember Dillon Brooks going from trying to harass Bron, to actually trying to guard me,” Russell recalled. In the second round, he scored 21 points in Game 3 to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 2-1 lead, then another 19 points in Game 6 to seal the victory.
However, Russell, who After being traded, he had started every game for Los Angeles. However, his playing time was drastically reduced because he only shot 8-for-27 in the first three conference finals games. Russell was then benched for Game 4 as the Denver Nuggets, the eventual champions, completed the sweep.
The usually talkative playwright felt suddenly like he had no voice. Russell’s involvement was restricted by Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who focused more of the series on veteran guard Dennis Schroder.
Editor’s Selections
15 urgent questions about conference tournaments for the 2024 NBA DraftGivony Jonathan and Woo Jeremy
Russell was aware that Schroder and Ham had a history dating back over ten years to their days as teammates with the Atlanta Hawks, where Ham had served as an assistant coach. Russell, on the other hand, had spent two months with Ham. (Schroder was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets last month after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Toronto Raptors in the offseason.)
“His relationship with Darvin is the reason I couldn’t have a relationship with Darvin,” Russell stated.
“I could have gone to the coach when I was having trouble and said, ‘Bro, this is what we should do.'” As in, “I can assist you.” Rather of a conversation, there was only acceptance.
We got swept, and while he’s not here, I am. And I think our chances are good.”
Before last month’s deadline, Russell—whose role had been restricted once more this season—was presumably considered a trade piece for Pelinka. Six weeks before the postseason, Russell has soared to the third spot on the squad in terms of minutes played and games played, while also averaging a career-high 42% from three-point range.
one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the league. (Russell is 11 3s behind Nick Van Exel’s franchise record for a season, which was established almost 30 years ago.)
Before the Lakers’ road game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET, ESPN), Russell has emerged as a big X factor in the team’s 12-5 record since February 1, just 10 months after he was, in his own words, “the scapegoat” in that Denver series.
More essential, though, maybe, is that Russell now has the confidence of Pelinka, Ham, and the stars of L.A.
Regarding Russell’s contribution to Los Angeles’ postseason drive, James told ESPN, “I think he has the ability to do whatever the team needs, especially offensively.” That’s what makes him unique. He is able to adjust to whatever the game requires.
“But when D-Lo is at his best, he’s in attack mode.”
Russell wasn’t excited about rejoining the Lakers in free agency after being benched against Denver in the playoffs. In his exit discussion with Pelinka and Ham during the offseason, he stated as much.
“They were like, ‘We’re going to do whatever to try to keep you here,'” Russell recalled. “And I was like, ‘Are y’all going to let me rock out, though?'”
The first day of free agency, Schroder and Toronto reached a deal. Russell re-upped with Los Angeles the next morning on a two-year, $37 million contract that included a player option for the second season.
Sources informed ESPN that although Russell’s camp fought for a player option, the Lakers preferred a deal without one.permitting the possibility that he plays well, increases his worth, and becomes a free agent once more this summer.
Russell affirmed, “That was our idea,” alluding to the clause he and his CAA agent, Austin Brown, added to the agreement.
If an opt-out was granted, the contract would be subject to a one-year Bird restriction, allowing him to veto any move, as per the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement was to waive the no-trade clause so that Russell wouldn’t obstruct any changes that were required by both parties.
“Since I play point guard for the Lakers, really. All that’s needed is another point guard who desires to be here, according to Russell. “And the Lakers have the ability to accomplish that. Not all structure is.”
