The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have changed their minds. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers are no longer that high on a D’Angelo Russell-Dejounte Murray trade. At this point, the trade is “unrealistic.” “The Lakers were initially said to be willing to package Russell with a first-round pick in 2029 and a first-round pick swap in exchange for Murray — with Austin Reaves completely off limits. That pursuit appears to have been dialed back some with Russell playing so well,” Stein wrote in his January 28 substack newsletter. Russell, whose value was practically zero during the previous Lakers-Hawks talks, has drastically changed the story.
Russell’s excellent play has helped the Lakers, who are on the rise, win five of their past eight games. Russell has averaged 27.5 points and 6.4 assists per game since returning to the starting lineup eight games ago. He also shoots 54.2% from the 3-point range and 52.3% from the field.
The Hawks had previously desired a third team to sign Russell, a 27-year-old with a player option worth $18.6 million for the upcoming campaign. With Russell finally revealing his “superpower,” which enabled the Lakers to turn around their fortunes, things have quickly changed.
In the Lakers’ 145-144 double overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors, Russell scored 28 points and dished out five assists. This Monday, he looks to carry the momentum against the Houston Rockets.
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