D’Angelo Russell says he believes he can thrive under JJ Redick
After opting into his contract for the 2024-25 season with the Lakers, D’Angelo Russell spoke of his desire to play under JJ Redick.
D’Angelo Russell surprised many late on Friday night by exercising his player option for the 2024-25 season to remain with the Lakers, at least for now. Given the fact he stated he would be using the leverage he had, most assumed he would opt out and force the Lakers into giving him money.
Instead, he opted into his deal and immediately became an expiring contract the Lakers could move in a trade this offseason. For now, though, Russell is a Laker and he spoke to Dave McMenamin of ESPN about his decision, which appears to be based around JJ Redick and his system.
D’Angelo Russell to ESPN on his decision to opt in for the final year of his contract with the Lakers for $18.7 million: “I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 29, 2024
Russell has a genuine desire to remain with the Lakers and to see how JJ Redick and his new staff can impact the Lakers’ approach https://t.co/5Q4qrjcqnZ https://t.co/i3OBKe1tuk
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 29, 2024
It’s probably fair to assume this is some positive PR. Unless your name is James Harden, you don’t typically opt into your contract and then not speak highly of the team.
It’s fair to assume the Redick and D’Lo had conversations about his role in the new system. While the fans may not have been made privy to it, Russell likely got plenty of insight into how Redick wants to play offensively.
If it’s based on cutting and shooting and spacing, it makes sense that Russell, who is both a great shooter and has a high basketball IQ, would fit that, in theory.
At the same time, Russell’s agent likely got a sense of what the free agent market would look like before this decision as well. There may have been several teams with cap space, but few of them likely were interested in D’Lo, who is very much a known quantity, for better and for worse, at this point in his career.
There’s still a very real chance Russell is traded. He’s a tradeable contract and an expiring deal. The Lakers could look for an upgrade to the roster by dealing him in the coming days at the start of free agency. There are still a number of dominos that have to fall before D’Lo’s spot on the roster feels more secure.
In the end, we’re a long way from media day and preseason. For now, we can take these quotes for what they are at face value. A lot still has to play out in the coming days and weeks, though, that could change this.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.