Los Angeles Lakers star D’Angelo Russell has agreed on a two-year, $37 million contract extension.
In the early hours of free agency, the Lakers signed Gabe Vincent, which many thought would result in the departure of D Russell.
Before that, there were many rumours that the point guard would be replaced by other stars, such as Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet.
However, the free agent options enshrined in the position were running out in the market and the franchise secured Russell’s return.
After underwhelming performances in the sweep that the Lakers suffered from the Denver Nuggets, the 27-year-old guard’s reputation was greatly affected.
After all, he had a poor use of 13.3% of the perimeter over the four matches. That way rumours arose that the team was going to replace him.
However, Russell has always shown that he would like to renew his contract with the Lakers.
“I think when you have a group that understands basketball and has the same goal, you will succeed.” Russell said.
“However, it takes training camps, a long run of games and an offseason to work together and we didn’t have that. We made it to the Western Conference Finals, so the future is bright.
“I think Rob Pelinka [GM] has important decisions to make, but that’s not my job. At the end of the day, I would love to come back here and contribute to the success of the team.” Russell added.
Pelinka seems to understand that it is necessary to keep key players to make another long playoff campaign. In addition to the Lakers renewing Russell’s contract, he did the same with Rui Hachimura and accepted the final year of Jarred Vanderbilt.
Last season, Russell arrived in Los Angeles via a triple trade. In 17 regular season games with the Lakers, he posted 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. His use was 48.4% on field shots and 41.4% on three-point balls.
