Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is expected to opt in to the final year of his contract.
The 28-year-old has to make his final decision today but is set to accept terms of $18.7million for another season in LA.
Key to his decision was the arrival of JJ Redick as coach following the departure of Darvin Ham, with whom Russell didn’t always have the most harmonious relationship.
Russell told ESPN: “I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level.”
Center Jaxson Hayes is also set to opt in but the situation is less clear with LeBron James, although the star forward is expected to remain a Laker.
Number Nine: Bronny James. pic.twitter.com/I91YjMEXAZ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 28, 2024
James is likely to opt out of his $51.4m deal but then re-sign fresh terms with the team.
The 39-year-old has reportedly been offered a deal worth $160m over three years.
The Lakers’ hopes of retaining James were boosted by the signing of his son Bronny in the NBA Draft.
They are also in the market for another star name to complement LeBron and Anthony Davis but missed out on Dejounte Murray who went from the Atlanta Hawks to the New Orleans Pelicans.
