Key Takeaways:
– The Orlando Magic express interest in signing Lakers’ star guard D’Angelo Russell in the 2024 offseason, as per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
– Russell, set to decline his $18.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season, is anticipated to become a free agent.
– His addition could address the Magic’s deficiency in shooting, evident with their 30.9 percent three-point shooting average in the playoffs.
– Potential space of up to $35 million in the Magic’s 2024-25 salary cap could pave the way for another star acquisition.
– Faced with key decisions, the Lakers’ front office grapples with the idea of losing Russell without getting back any assets.
Orlando Magic Eyeing Lakers’ Guard D’Angelo Russell
As the pulse of the NBA offseason intensifies, ripples of news on player movements emerge. One notable name making the rounds is Lakers’ guard D’Angelo Russell, linked with the Orlando Magic. The Eastern Conference team is reportedly considering offering the star player a substantial contract for the 2024-25 season.
Notably, Russell has a scheduled $18.7 million player option for 2024-25 with the Lakers; however, he is widely expected to decline and subsequently become a free agent.
Transition Awaiting Russell
Russell, who the Lakers originally drafted in 2015, has expressed deliberation regarding his free agency. To Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, he spoke of his eagerness to remain with the Lakers yet left the door open for potential talks with other teams. Although he experiences anxiety around free agency, he appears prepared to leverage his position for the best possible outcome.
Magic Shooting Woes Could Be Addressed
The links to Russell suggest the Orlando Magic’s strategy to repair their lacking three-point shooting prowess. During the playoff series against the Cavaliers, only Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac shot decently from behind the arc. They averaged 30.9 percent from three-point land, basking in the glow of Russell could alter the statistical narrative considerably.
With an estimated $35 million cap space in the 2024-25 season, the Magic could ostensibly invite more stars to their roster. Warriors guard Klay Thompson is another player linked with the Magic.
Moreover, 28-year-old Russell’s inclusion would gel in with the team timeline built around young stars like Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs.
Can Lakers Manage D’Angelo Russell’s Departure?
Whether the Lakers’ front office should prevent Russell from leaving, possibly packaging him with other assets in a sign-and-trade scenario, remains a looming question. According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, the Lakers can’t afford to lose Russell’s considerable talent without replacing it.
Hollinger suggests the free agency decision could significantly impact the team’s objective to augment the title-winning potential around 39-year-old LeBron James’ remaining years.
Dips in Russell’s value, following a lukewarm performance in the 2024 NBA Playoffs where he averaged 38 percent from the field and 31 percent from deep, adds to the predicament. Still, the Lakers’ alteration in appearance by the commencement of the 2024-25 season is an apparent certainty.
Infamously, even James’ stay hangs in the balance. The revered forward has until June 29 to exercise his player option, potentially making him a free agent for the first time since 2018.
In a league notorious for drastic player movements, uncertainty reigns supreme. The upcoming decisions by players and front offices alike could bring seismic shifts, altering the face of the NBA landscape in the 2024-25 season.