D’Angelo Russell was once tabbed as the Los Angeles Lakers point guard of the future. It’s been a circuitous path since Russell’s first two NBA seasons in LA, but it seems we’re right back where we started.
Russell was traded to the Lakers from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline in a three-team deal that also involved the Utah Jazz. Russell has spent parts of the last six seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and the Wolves before returning to the LA.
ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Russell hopes being in Los Angeles is something that sticks this time around.
“D’Angelo Russell very much wanted a second chance in LA with the Lakers and you’ve seen the impact he made coming back against Toronto the other night, playing great in a win, and again tonight,” Wojnarowski said. “He wants to be the point guard of the future for this organization. He’ll be a free agent this summer.”
Russell and the Lakers reportedly have mutual interest in a contract extension. Barring that getting done, Russell will be a free agent this summer and Los Angeles will have his full Bird rights in July.
