Insider Believes Lakers Will Retain Free Agent Despite Disappointing Playoffs

What should Rob Pelinka do?

When the Lakers made the trade to bring D'Angelo Russell back to Los Angeles, it was generally seen as a positive one. Russell provided a natural fit as the point guard to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis due to his ability to shoot the ball well and play both on and off ball. For the most part, Russell fit in but his performance in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets now has his future in LA a bit murky. 

The Lakers have some decisions to make this offseason, including on Russell. He was terrible against Denver when the team needed him most, let's just call it like it was. However, without Russell, this Laker team doesn't even reach the Western Conference Finals. 

D'Angelo Russell vs Golden State Warriors

21 PTS
3 REB
5 AST
1 STL
8/13 FG
5/8 3P
+14 in 29 minutes.#Lakers W.#LakeShow #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/pwYAVVbmzm

— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) May 7, 2023

He came up huge in game one against the Golden State Warriors and even dropped 31 points in the Lakers game six close out of the Memphis Grizzlies. We can't only focus on the bad and forget the good moments that Russell did have in the playoffs. 

During the season, he shot 41.4 percent from three, a number more indicative of his actual skillset. Lakers insider Jovan Buva of The Athletic seems to have an idea on what the Lakers may end up doing with Russell this offseason. 

"I suspect a two or three-year deal. I think re-signing him is the most likely outcome.:

Lakers Insider Jovan Buva via 

HoopsHype.com

Bringing back Russell may not be what some Laker fans want to hear but it could be the right call. Russell knows he played horribly and can't do much worse. Adding in that he and Davis started to form some chemistry during the time that James was out with an injury, and it makes sense to bring him back.

Why bring in a new guy, such as Fred VanVleet, that now needs to get fully acquainted? Russell has his issues but getting him for $17-$20 million should be considered a steal. Plus, the team can always trade him later on if they decide to go in a different direction.

I may be in the minority among Laker fans here but unless a star level point guard is walking through the door, bringing Russell back should be the priority of the Lakers.

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