D’Angelo Russell plans to exercise his option and return to the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell plans to opt into the final year of his contract for $18.7 million, he told ESPN a day before the decision deadline.

Russell, 28, is coming off a strong season for Los Angeles thanks to a second-half surge. He finishes his ninth season averaging 18.0 points on 45.6 percent shooting (41.5 percent from 3), 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds.

Russell, who found himself at the center of trade talks last offseason, has made it clear he intends to stay in Los Angeles and play for new Lakers coach JJ Redick.

“I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his leadership to help win at a high level,” Russell told ESPN on Friday night.

Jaxson Hayes is also likely to opt out of the final year of his contract, a source familiar with the center’s intentions told ESPN, confirming news first reported by The Athletic.

Hayes, 24, came to the Lakers last summer after playing his first four seasons in New Orleans, signing a two-year contract with a player option in the second year. The No. 8 overall pick in 2019, he averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 70 games last season.

The Lakers discussed a Russell trade with several teams last offseason, looking to upgrade the point guard position in part because of Russell’s struggles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets.

After selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick and Bronny James with the 55th pick this week, LA still has the option to trade two future first-round picks, which, coupled with an expiring contract the size of Russell’s, could lead to a new roster for the Lakers.

The Lakers replaced Darvin Ham — who Russell sometimes struggled to get along with — with Redick as head coach since the season ended with another playoff loss to Denver.

Redick, an elite 3-point shooter during his playing career, spoke about his desire to have more 3s on the team for next season during his introductory press conference. It stands to reason that he would appreciate the skills of Russell, who broke the Lakers’ 3-point shooting record last season with 226.

Russell’s plan to participate was first reported by Swish Cultures.