D'Angelo Russell gives the Lakers exactly what they need
The Lakers desperately needed shooting at the trade deadline, and they went out and got it by acquiring D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in a three-team deal with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Russell, who's back with the team that drafted him second overall in 2015, could have the biggest impact.
This season, he has made himself into a much more efficient shooter, hitting 54.6% on two-point shots and 39.1% from the three-point line. Both would be career highs.
He is also a capable playmaker who doesn't need the ball in his hands all the time. He averages 6.2 assists, slightly over his career average of 5.7.
Now with the opportunity to play next to LeBron James, Russell will be able to space the floor for the Lakers (25-31) and should find himself with plenty of open shots.
As the Lakers look to make a push for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference, improved three-point shooting could be key in their potential turnaround.
Russell spent his first two seasons in Los Angeles before being dealt to the Nets. In 2019 with Brooklyn, he made his only All-Star appearance.
In the final season of his current contract, expect Russell to continue his strong play as free agency looms in the summer.
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