Lakers News: Reporter Lukewarm On This Los Angeles Signing
The Lakers set out to keep their core together this offseason and that is exactly what they did. For better or worse, the team had a plan and executed it to almost perfection. Many believe that the Lakers were clear winners from the first few days of NBA free agency but there is one signing that has many split. And that is point guard D'Angelo Russell.
The team re-signing him to a two-year deal that is worth $37 million. It also had a player option in the second year of the deal. All in all, it was a good deal for both sides. But this was strictly a deal of convenience. While LA didn't mind bringing back Russell, he likely wasn't their first choice. And Russell re-signed because the money wasn't there from other teams.
The Bleacher Report NBA staff gave the signing a B letter grade but did so reluctantly.
"After getting benched during the playoffs, this is more money that was likely expected for Russell, although only signing a two-year contract makes the deal movable in a trade. A team option in Year 2 instead of a player option would have been far better for the Lakers as well."
I may be in the minority here but I actually really like this deal for both sides. The Lakers get to keep a player who fits in well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at a decent price tag while also possibly being able to get rid of him next season if things don't work out. They also could trade him this year at the trade deadline as well.
He has a de-facto expiring contract that teams may want to trade for. Russell isn't a bad player by any means but his struggles in the postseason really brought his value on the open market down.
His ability to play on and off the ball should help this team in the regular season. Plus he is a pretty good three-point shooter as well.
This was a good deal that keeps a good player in LA. Russell isn't perfect but maybe he surprises us all and has a really strong season for the Lakers.
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