On Monday, LeBron James, the star of the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed his affection for player D’Angelo Russell on social media.
Following the Lakers’ rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, Russell talked about how much fun he is having playing with the squad.
In a fantastic performance against Portland, the left-handed guard scored 34 points on 14 of 21 field goals. In the victory, he contributed eight assists to Los Angeles.
Russell has been making the most of his opportunities, scoring 27.2 points per game while shooting an amazing 55.9 percent from the field and 53.7 percent from three-point range in his last five games after finding his way back into the starting lineup.
Prior to the trade deadline this season, Russell was the focus of trade rumors, but his most recent social media posts seemed to indicate that he wants to stay with the Lakers.
The Lakers guard, who is on his second stint with the team that selected him in the 2015 NBA Draft, appears to have James’ full support.
The former No. 2 overall selection is shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3-point range this season, averaging 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.
The Lakers brought in Russell at the trade deadline last season, and he helped spark the team on a run to the playoffs.
The Lakers earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, and they eventually went on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. While Los Angeles’ run fizzled out in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, the team still showed that it could compete with some of the NBA’s best squads last season. Now, the Lakers are faced with a tough decision regarding Russell – and other players – when it comes to the trade deadline.
If the Lakers believe another player is an improvement in the trade market, they may deal a player like Russell. Before finalizing any transaction, the Lakers might listen to James’ advice if Russell gets his backing. James is a four-time NBA champion.
Russell, a former All-Star, agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers in the offseason.
Russell has a player option for the second season of the contract, which means he may choose to test free agency or stay with the Lakers and earn over $18 million if he stays.
