Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell Exercises $18.7M Contract Option

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell plans to opt into the final year of his contract for $18.7 million, he told NBA insiders a day before the deadline for the decision.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell looks forward to playing for new head coach JJ Redick

Russell, who was at the center of trade talks last season, made it clear that he intends to stay in Los Angeles and play for the Lakers’ new coach, JJ Redick.

“I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level,” Russell told ESPN on Friday night.

Russell, 28, is coming off one of his most productive seasons of his nine-year career. In 76 games (69 starts), he averaged 18 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 32.7 minutes per game.

Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is picking up his $18.7 million player option for next season to stay in LA, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/H44wduSZL3

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024

The 2019 All-Star also shot 45.6% from the field, a career-best 41.5% from 3-point range, and 82.8% at the foul line. He broke the Lakers’ single-season record for most 3-pointers made as well.

In a 101-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on March 22, he passed Nick Van Excel with 187 made 3-pointers. Russell went on to finish the season with 226 total 3s.

Russell is one of four NBA players to set the single-season record for 3-pointers with multiple franchises

Van Excel is second with 183 3s made in the 1994-95 season, followed by Kobe Bryant (180 3s in 2005-06), Van Excel again (177 3s in 1996-97), and Chucky Atkins (176 3s in 2004-05).

Additionally, Russell set the Brooklyn Nets’ single-season record for 3-pointers made with a career-high 234 3s on 635 attempts (36.9%) in 2018-19. However, this past campaign is still his most efficient season.

He is just one of four players to have the single-season record for 3s with multiple franchises – joining Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers), Buddy Hield (Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers), and Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers).

Furthermore, Jaxson Hayes is expected to opt into the final year of his contract, a source told The Athletic. Hayes, 24, came to the Lakers last summer after playing his first four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.

In the 2024 NBA draft, the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick and Bronny James at No. 55 overall. L.A. has two future first-round picks to work with this offseason for trade talks.