D’Angelo Russell opts in to Lakers contract to get another shot at NBA title alongside LeBron James

D'Angelo Russell had a player option for the upcoming season.

D’Angelo Russell opts in to Lakers contract to get another shot at NBA title alongside LeBron James

D’Angelo Russell opts into his player option to play for Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are doing all they can to assemble a roster good enough to win the NBA title. Even after drafting key role players, they still need a starter who can contribute when LeBron James rests. Even though they have looked at potential targets, it depended on what D’Angelo Russell would do with his player option. Now, news has trickled in that the 3-point sniper is staying.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the news that the about-to-be 10-year veteran has opted into his player option for the upcoming season. He will be paid $18.7 million for his services before becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season. Russell averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists during the regular season and had spurts when he often matched LeBron James and Anthony Davis to lead the scoring.

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However, his lowest points came in the 1st round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets when he struggled. His contributions suffered majorly, and at one point, it looked as if he was disinterested in competing for the task at hand.

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Nevertheless, he can still produce at a high level when motivated. Russell opting in could go either way. Either new head coach JJ Redick sees Russell as a solid contributor. Or they trade him away for another star or draft capital.

D’Angelo Russell has NBA title as No. 1 priority

D’Angelo Russell might still have question marks surrounding his future. However, he has made it clear to Jordan Richard of Swish Cultures what his priority is. Richard revealed on his social media;

His number 1 priority is to win a championship.
Jordan Richard via Swish Cultures

This means the 28-year-old has nothing else on his mind than to win an NBA title. Staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, he wants another attempt to win the NBA championship.

The most important aspect Russell needs to improve on is his mentality. One cannot go into the playoffs and not perform and expect to win an NBA title at the same time. He was elevated to the starting lineup due to his brilliant performances.

The regular season performances remain decent, but it has not translated well into the playoffs. Russell will have to continue to push to be better. If not, LeBron James and JJ Redick might start scouting for a new star. Russell has a legitimate shot at establishing himself as one of the premier guards in the NBA.

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