Lakers Rumors: D’Angelo Russell Transfer Will Be Pursued After Exercise of Contract Option | News, scores, highlights, statistics and rumors

D’Angelo Russell’s decision to opt out of his $18.7 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers doesn’t mean he’ll be on the team when the 2024-25 NBA season begins.

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers should “be aggressive” in exploring trades involving Russell this summer.

Russell confirmed to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he agreed to his contract.

The Lakers’ main concern right now is finding a solution to the LeBron James situation. He has a $51.4 million player option for next season that must be decided by today, with free agency scheduled to begin Sunday.

If James decides to retire, which is expected, McMenamin said the Lakers would offer him the maximum three-year contract he is entitled to in order to keep him.

Assuming the Lakers retain James and including Russell’s contract, ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted they would enter free agency with just $4.8 million under the second cap before potentially paying to keep Max Christie as a restricted free agent.

There could be a big market for Russell among teams that need a point guard and are missing one in free agency. Athleticism Kelly Iko Last month, the Orlando Magic reported they could pursue the veteran guard if he decided to opt out.

The Brooklyn Nets were interested in a Russell reunion at one point, but their decision to start rebuilding after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for five future first-round picks, one pick swap, one future second-round pick and the expiration of Bojan Bogdanović’s contract could alter those plans.

Russell is arguably the Lakers’ best asset now that he’s decided to sign. The 28-year-old will be playing on an expiring contract and is coming off back-to-back solid seasons. He’s averaging 17.9 points on 40.6 percent three-point shooting and 6.3 assists per game in 147 games since the start of the 2022-23 campaign.