The Lakers won’t pursue a max-extension this summer time with D’Angelo Russell, who was benched for the primary time in Game 4 following some lackluster performances.
“Russell is eligible to sign a two-year, $67.5 million extension by June 30, which the Lakers will not pursue at the max number, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN,” (*4*)
If Russell’s asking value is round $30 million plus per 12 months, that will clarify why the Timberwolves didn’t thoughts transferring him on the February commerce deadline.
Since being traded to the Lakers, he was a key of their championship run throughout the common season however his performances dipped within the postseason, averaging simply 6.3 factors and three.5 assists on 32 p.c taking pictures from the sector towards Denver.
Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals towards the Nuggets marked the primary time LA coach Darvin Ham began the purpose guard on the bench however he responded in a measured and mature approach.
“I mean, it was tough,” Russell mentioned by way of Lakers Nation. “It was tough to agree with it obviously, but in a short period of time to not become a distraction to your teammates and to everybody else that’s preparing just like you to get the one goal done which is win. I knew that was where you had to be professional. You can’t be a distraction at this point of the season and things like that, so that’s kind of how I went about it. I wanted to be professional and try to dominate my minutes when there were minutes for me.”
Retaining gamers like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura appear to be increased priorities on Lakers GM Rob Pelinka’s record than conserving Russell.
But contemplating how far their commerce items carried them this 12 months, conserving Russell would even be of profit.
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