In the wake of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s comments regarding D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistent play in a recent 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, speculation has intensified about Russell’s future with the team.
The 27-year-old guard struggled in the Lakers’ loss to the Grizzlies, adding just 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, including a cold 2-for-9 from beyond the arc. Head coach JJ Redick was visibly frustrated with his point guard during the game and ended his post-game press conference early after fielding questions about the team’s lack of effort outside of LeBron James.
Before leaving, Redick made it clear that Russell’s performance didn’t meet his envisioned standards for the first year of his coaching career. When asked about Russell’s limited minutes, Redick’s response was candid. “Again, just level of compete,” he said. “Attention to detail, you know, some of the things we’ve talked with him about for a couple weeks, and at times he’s been really good with that stuff, and other times… he’s just reverting back to certain habits.”
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Russell’s season statistics this season reflected Redick’s early concerns. Currently averaging 12 points per game on 37.4 percent shooting, his lowest output since entering the NBA, Russell has yet to find his rhythm.
While it’s still early in the season, Lakers fans were fed up after the game, with many taking to social media to voice their disapproval. One fan wrote: “I already said D Lo gotta go. Trade him and let Reaves run the show.” Another added: “D Lo is not even 30 (years old) yet and has zero trade value… that’s tough.”
With Russell on a two-year, $36 million contract set to expire in 2025, the Lakers have a limited window to explore potential trades. The contract’s structure, combined with Russell’s inconsistent play, could make him a valuable trade asset for a team seeking a veteran guard. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, here are some trade scenarios that could benefit both the Lakers and Russell.
D’Angelo Russell and Jaxon Hayes to the Washington Wizards for Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas could give LA a veteran big (
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The Washington Wizards have started the season with a 2-4 record, facing challenges in defensive rotations, shooting consistency, and overall efficiency. In response, the team is reportedly in “deal-making mode,” exploring potential trades to address these issues.
Russell’s expiring contract could create opportunities for Washington to acquire assets or trade targets to feature alongside team-high scorer Jordan Pool and a core of Kyle Kuzma, second-year shooting guard Bilal Coulibaly, and second-overall draft pick Alex Sarr.
Hayes, known for his athleticism and rim-running abilities, has shown flashes of being an athletic big who can run the floor. Washington’s move of Valanciunas to LA could give the Lakers a veteran presence next to Anthony Davis while also helping the Wizards secure a younger big like Hayes to fit their up-and-down style.
D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schroder
A Russell for Schroder trade sends two point guards back to old teams where they found success (
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Schroder’s deal also expires at the end of the season, giving both teams flexibility for the future if the swap doesn’t pan out. Schroder’s experience and familiarity with the organization, previously during the 2020 bubble season and again in 2022, could benefit the Lakers.
Russell has shown that he can be an effective scorer and playmaker in the past, with a move that saw him return to the Nets after a previous stint with the organization in 2017-18. That year was Russell’s sole NBA All-Star appearance and a top-three scoring season for his career.
D’Angelo Russell and Christian Wood to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace
Alex Caruso would return to the Lakers for a wholesome reunion in a potential Russell trade (
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Caruso would significantly boost the Lakers’ defense in a grand return to a team whose fanbase was upset at his departure after the 2021 season. Caruso had a stint with the Chicago Bulls and was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he’s averaging nearly a career-low in minutes.
Russell’s expiring contract, ability to score, and the Thunder’s quality at the guard position could see him help in spurts rather than be relied upon in the offense. He could help create plays for others when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not on the court as a short-term solution.
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