According to NBA insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers could trade D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors or Atlanta Hawks.
Russell’s name has been mentioned in trade talks with the Nets, Raptors and Hawks in recent weeks. The Lakers guard is making $17.3 million this season. He has a player option next season worth $18.7 million.
“I don’t care at all,” Russell said about being in trade rumors after the Lakers beat the Charlotte Hornets last night. “Show up to work. That’s it.”
The Lakers are interested in acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Hawks, Bruce Brown from the Raptors and Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets. If LAL makes a trade this season, Russell will likely be moved because of his contract.
“I mean, I can’t control that my contract makes sense to be traded either,” Russell said. “So I mean, just play. You can’t control that. Once again, I don’t care at all.”
Russell waived his implied no-trade clause last offseason when he re-signed with the Lakers. The lefty is averaging 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists this season while shooting 46.5% from the field, 41.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
“I just thought it made sense,” Russell said when asked why he waived his implied no-trade clause with the Lakers. “Obviously, I’ve been here before. I played for the Lakers before. So I know what the requirements are to be successful here are. So if you’re part of the future here, you’ll be successful. If you’re not, you’ll get traded. And I’ve been traded before here. So my approach is just a little different.
“I really just genuinely, humbly don’t care because I know I can’t control it, one. And two, I just won’t allow my mind to go there. I like to focus on this and you guys see how I’ve been focusing on basketball and not comments and what’s trending on social.”
Over his last 13 games, Russell is averaging 24.0 points and 6.5 assists for the Lakers while shooting 46.6% overall and 46.6% from 3. It will be very fascinating to see if the Ohio State product is traded before the NBA trade deadline.
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