The Future for D'Lo

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell is constantly on the frontline of the team’s offense since he joined LA from the Minnesota Timberwolves. His future with the Lakers franchise will be something to discuss as he is eligible for a $67.5 million extension with the team.

The Lakers numbers have improved drastically since Russell’s return to the team. The purple and gold grabbed a spot in the playoffs after a 2-10 score in the beginning of the season once they defeated Russell’s previous team, the Timberwolves, in the play-in tournament after a 0.3 percent chance of moving forward.

During the regular season, the point guard averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds. So far this postseason, he has averaged 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Russell made improvement during game one of their first playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies after an unusually inactive game against Minnesota for the playoff spot. In the play-in match with his old team, he plugged in two points. Although his shots were not looking good, he made eight assists to contribute. In response to the unsatisfying numbers Russell said, “I try to show that I’m that type of player. I could’ve had 20 assists that night. Could’ve had 15 assists that night. If I’m not making shots, I can still control the game. Simple as that.”

In the postgame press conference after Russell’s underwhelming performance, Coach Darvin Ham said, “Well, you know, you’re gonna have rough nights out here and I have all the confidence in the world in D’Lo. We’re gonna need him on this run...You know, it’s a long season some nights it’s not gonna be your night. Again, that’s why you try to fortify your roster with multiple players who are capable of once you call their number, they’re able to not just go out there and gobble up minutes but get minutes and play at a high level...make no mistake we brought D’Lo out here to come out here and be D’Lo and to make plays.”

Coach Darvin Ham’s comment about Russell bouncing back was spot on. In game one against Memphis, he came back with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists to help the Lakers steal the win while on the road. Russell said, “That’s what I do. I’m a shot-maker man. I thought we had good looks...I was trying to make passes to make the game easier for the other guys. Then eventually I saw one go in and that was kind of what I needed.”

Russell’s future with Los Angeles depends on how he does for the remainder of the playoffs. We have seen both versions of him; his impressive shooting and assisting his team overall during an important game. However, to pocket the potential contract, he should stick to showing us all he has offensively. He can sign a contract with the Lakers until June 30, according to ESPN. If the team chooses not to sign him, he becomes a free agent this summer.