Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has a player option for the 2024-25 season. While he is expected to decline that option in favor of securing a longer-term deal on the free-agent market, Austin Reaves, for one, would like Russell to remain with the team. Reaves discussed his relationship with his fellow guard during a recent interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“I want him to be around,” Reaves said. “That’s probably my best friend on the team. We hang out off the court and golf a lot together. We’re constantly in communication and play Call of Duty together. He’s been one of my closest friends since I’ve been in the NBA. Obviously, his basketball play speaks for itself with how talented he is and what he can do for our group. We need him to be at our best. When he’s playing at his best is when we’re playing at our best. Anything we can do or I can do to help him stay around, I’m definitely going to try to do that.”
Russell has proven to be a reliable third option for the Lakers. He’s averaging 18 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 76 games for head coach Darvin Ham’s team. He is converting his shots at a 45.6% clip from the field and 41.5% from three-point range.
The Lakers face a tough first-round series against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoffs. Russell will undoubtedly be key to the Lakers’ offensive game plan. His playmaking and ability to penetrate tough perimeter defenses will be integral. If Russell can prove that he’s capable of sustaining his regular-season production in the playoffs, it will be another reminder to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka that he should be kept around long-term.
Whatever happens with the Lakers this postseason, there will likely be some roster movement in the summer. Pelinka has been active in recent years as the franchise looks to build a contender around LeBron and Davis. Russell has proven he can play a role in that pursuit, but it’s up to the Lakers front office to decide how to move forward after the season – even if Reaves is championing for his friend to stay around.
