D’Angelo Russell’s return to the Lakers was nothing but nonsense months ago. The former 2nd overall pick and the team that drafted him seemingly would be interested in reuniting. The Lakers have reached out to D’Angelo Russell’s agents regarding a meeting per Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Los Angeles Lakers reached out to D'Angelo Russell's agents at CAA — Austin Brown and Aaron Mintz — to set up a meeting with the All-Star guard, league sources tell ESPN. The Lakers and Russell share a mutual interest in a reunion. Lakers have the cap space to sign him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2019
There were reports in the past that mentioned mutual interest. But, with Brooklyn acquiring Kyrie Irving, the Nets are moving on from the 23-year-old all-star. The Nets would renounce D’Angelo Russell once Irving officially commits to the deal.
There are many options for the D’Angelo Russell. The Nets are willing to send Russell to the team of his choice, once again, from Woj.
Nets will be willing to work with Russell and his reps on ways to get him to a team of his choice, including sign-and-trade scenarios, league sources tell ESPN. If Russell and Nets found a sign-and-trade deal that works for both, obviously, there's no need to renounce his rights.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2019
The Lakers have $32 million in cap space to fill out the roster out around LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and co. That being said, it is good that the team seemingly has an interest in all of the free agents. D’Angelo Russell is still 23 years old. He had his best year with the Nets this past year. Magic Johnson is gone, and that could be a reason that D’Angelo may return. His shooting would be vital to the team’s success. His passing next to his frontcourt teammates would be terrifying. Our very own Gary Kester went into more detail about D’Angelo and what a return could mean.
D’Angelo would be cheaper than the likes of Kawhi Leonard or Kyrie Irving. That spare money may go towards rounding out the roster to help on the defensive end.
The Lakers have cap space to spend and whether it is D’Angelo Russell’s return or any other big names, this summer is going to get crazy.
