Kendrick Perkins calls for Lakers to trade D'Angelo Russell
Kendrick Perkins wants the Los Angeles Lakers to trade D'Angelo Russell. The veteran guard returned to the Purple and Gold at the 2023 trade deadline. However, Perkins doesn't believe Russell is a great fit and would prefer Rob Pelinka and the front office looks elsewhere.
"Right now, I would trade D'Angelo Russell for a box of Christmas-scented candles and a lifelong supply of Christmas lights," Perkins said during a recent episode of ESPN's "First Take." "That's how horrible he's been...We're talking about D-LO, a guy who could go out every night and get you a dub. The Lakers need scoring. They need to take the pressure off LeBron. They need pressure taken off Anthony Davis...You gotta look at D'Angelo Russell because he's been too inconsistent."
Russell's second spell with the Lakers has been blighted by cold stretches. As the third star in the rotation, he needs to have consistency in his offensive output. Darvin Ham won't be tasking Russell with being a primary scorer or playmaker. Instead, he's a release valve when the defense hones in on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He's relied upon to be a consistent threat.
The Lakers have been linked to a potential trade for Zach LaVine in recent weeks. Part of the appeal that LaVine brings is that he's more consistent on offense and has a skill set that is better suited to being a tertiary star. Russell can be just as impactful as LaVine in a similar role. However, he will need to continue evolving his game to be a better supporting player rather than coming into games with the mindset of a primary option, which leads to ill-timed and low-quality shots.
Russell is a high-level guard, but he needs to prove he can be part of a rotation. When you play for the Lakers and play alongside LeBron, you have to excel within the confines of your role. It appears that is a difficult lesson Russell is still learning.
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