Trade whispers have swirled around Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell since he signed a two-year, $36 million contract extension to return this offseason.
New information from NBA writer Mark Medina will only add to the speculation.
"Perhaps the Lakers can find an appealing offer for D'Angelo Russell leading up to the trade deadline, especially if he doesn't play consistently," Medina remarked on September 7,
according to Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant of GiveMeSport. "However, the Lakers are confident that he can overcome last season's shooting woes while still contributing to the team's offensive efficiency.
"Russell appeared in 17 games for the Lakers, who re-signed him from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline in February.
He averaged 17.4 points on 61% true shooting and made 41.4% of his three-point attempts.
However, his postseason performance dipped, with the former No. 2 overall choice averaging 13.3 points on 51.6% true shooting while converting on 31% of his deep shots.
Over his final seven postseason games, he averaged 9.0 points and shot 17.9% from three.
The Lakers welcomed Russell back, confirming Medina's comments regarding their confidence in Russell's potential to rebound next season.
However, they hedged their bets by signing Gabe Vincent from the Miami Heat to a three-year, $33 million contract in free agency, allowing the Lakers to transfer Russell to the bench.
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