Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell plans to opt out of the final year of his $18.7 million contract, he told ESPN a day before the deadline to make the decision.
Russell, 28, has had a strong season for LA thanks to a second-half comeback. He finished his ninth season averaging 18.0 points on 45.6% shooting (41.5% from the three-point line), 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds.
Russell, who was at the center of transfer talks last season, made it clear that he intends to stay in Los Angeles and play for new Lakers coach JJ Redick.
“I love what JJ does and I can really see myself thriving under his guidance and helping to win at a high level,” Russell told ESPN on Friday night.
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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, joined the Lakers last summer after playing his first four seasons in New Orleans, signing a two-year deal with a player option for 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 transfer with several teams last season to strengthen the point guard position, in part because of Russell's difficulties in the 2023 Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets.
After drafting Dalton Knecht at No. 17 and Bronny James at No. 55 this week, LA still has the opportunity to trade two future first-round picks, which, coupled with an expiring contract in the range of Russell's contract, could lead to a reshuffle of the Lakers.
The Lakers replaced Darvin Ham – with whom Russell disagreed at times – with Redick as head coach as the season ended with another playoff loss to Denver.
Redick, a standout 3-point shooter during his playing career, spoke at his introductory press conference about his desire to have more 3-pointers on the roster for next season. It makes sense that he values the ability of Russell, who broke the Lakers' single-season record last season with 226 3-pointers.
Swish Cultures was the first to report on Russell’s plans to participate.
