D’Angelo Russell has suggested that he will explore free agency this summer after something of an up-and-down campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers last year.

Although he has a $19 million player option for next year, the 28-year-old is expected to seek out a longer-term deal from L.A. or anyone else willing to have him.

Last year, Russell averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per outing over the course of 76 Games. Unfortunately, as has become par for the course for him, he also came up short in critical moments for the Lakers where they needed big efforts from him on both ends of the court.

Earlier this week, a surprising team jumped into the fray and expressed interest in Russell.

3 Frontrunners Emerge To Sign Russell Westbrook Away From Clippers https://t.co/sM7NzzcrXH

— Game 7 (@Game7__) May 24, 2024

One team that has zero interest in him, though? The San Antonio Spurs.

“The most recent intel suggests the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested,” wrote Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. “If Russell can’t get a viable offer from the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors or Utah Jazz, he’s wholly reliant on the Lakers for his payday. It just takes one, but multiple NBA sources question who would be willing to pay Russell if the Magic aren’t.”

Russell is a very talented player, but he also is what he is at this point. He is not someone you can count on to be a third option on a championship team.

And that is what the Lakers need next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Lakers Have Plenty Of Options This Summer

The Lakers figure to be plenty busy this summer no matter what they choose to do with Russell.

Over the past few weeks the team has been linked to multiple big names. The Lakers are one of three frontrunners for Kyle Kuzma, the most likely landing spot for Michael Porter Jr. if he gets traded, and one of three notable suitors for Patrick Beverley.

One way or another, L.A.’s roster composition promises to look verty different next year.

Will Russell still be on the Lakers once the 2023-24 NBA season tips off? Time will tell.

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Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.