The Lakers may have set themselves up to do the “best thing” for D'Angelo Russell and the club.
“This may not be a fun conversation to have between Russell and head coach Darvin Ham,
” Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz wrote on September 1. “Moving the 27-year-old to sixth man may be best for him and the franchise.”
Russell, 27, joined the Lakers in free agency on a two-year, $36 million contract after being acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline in February.
He started all 17 regular-season games but saw his role and play decline in the postseason.
Vincent's full-guaranteed three-year, $33 million contract contrasts with Russell's $18.7 million player option for 2024-25,
Swartz says. Russell relinquished trade veto power, a move some consider a trade prelude.
Not simply for money. Russell and the Lakers could benefit from a starting lineup adjustment for basketball reasons.
“In a starting lineup with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers would benefit from Vincent's steady hand at point guard,” Swartz said.
The change would also provide Russell additional scoring chances by coming off the bench with the second unit.”