ESPN Analyst says if D’Angelo Russell opts out, he already has deal to leave Lakers

The time is almost here to see whether D’Angelo Russell will opt out of his contract and leave the Lakers, stay on the same deal, or sign a new one.

Free agency is fast approaching and key Lakers players can opt into or out of their contracts and test free agency.

LeBron James is the biggest Laker who must make this decision, but D'Angelo Russell must also make it.

The rumor mill is already buzzing about what Russell will do and what it could mean. Zach Lowe gave his opinion on what an opt out signifies for the Lakers guard on his recent episode of The Lowe Post.

“If D’Angelo Russell opts out…there’s a deal in place somewhere. You don’t opt out in this market basically going to go into free agency with blinders on here. So, does that mean that he’s coming back at a less salary for the Lakers? What does a less salary mean for the Lakers?”

The Lakers guard opting out wouldn't be a shock, as the Lakers are expecting it and it has been heavily rumored for months now.

Discussions about Russell and his value are always a source of contention among Lakers fans. The pro-Russell side points to him setting the Lakers' single-season 3-point record this year, along with his best numbers in purple and gold, scoring 18 points and dishing out 6.3 assists per game.

His critics say he's still a defensive turnstile and his performance plummets when the competition level rises. Unfortunately, the cynics have some great evidence with Russell's first round performance against the Denver Nuggets.

He struggled defensively that series and had some awful offensive games, scoring zero points in Game 3 and going 1-9 from deep in Game 1.

Russell may not be perfect, but he does have value. The question is, what's the dollar amount you put on it?

If Russell thinks it's $18 million, he should opt in. If he thinks it's higher, he should opt out and get what he's worth.

Russell said he would use his leverage during his exit interview, so we'll soon find out if that leverage means coming back to Los Angeles on a larger deal or going elsewhere and pursuing more money or years.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.