Naturally, the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary goals for the remainder of the season are to wrap things up well and get ready for what should be a lengthy postseason run. However, as the regular season draws to a close, some attention shifts to free agency, and D’Angelo Russell, the point guard, will have to make a big choice.
In the previous offseason, Russell inked a two-year contract with the Lakers, which included a player option for a second season. With his excellent play this year, Russell may be able to make more money than the $18 million he is guaranteed next year if he chooses to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent.
The 28-year-old said he understood the NBA’s operations andWith a career-high 3-point percentage of 42.3%, Russell is having one of his best seasons as an NBA player, shattering the Lakers single-season record. The point guard is averaging 18.2 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.0 turnovers a game, which is a career low.
Many were watching Russell to see how he would react this year after his disappointing end to the previous season and an underwhelming playoff performance. Russell acknowledged that he was under a lot of pressure in what was essentially a contract year, but he believed it was crucial to maintain composure:Russell responded to a question about what it’s like to play in a potential contract season on HoopsHype by saying, “It’s definitely pressure.”
It has the potential to devour several players in the league. Many people have mood swings, sometimes becoming too high or too low, which makes the season’s ups and downs an emotional roller coaster. I wanted to be in charge of that. I wished to maintain my composure and sanity despite the highs and lows.
Few people anticipated Russell would have the kind of year he is having, but he has proven what he can do to improve a strong squad. Without Russell’s incredible play, the Lakers would undoubtedly be in much worse shape and would like to retain.
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