D’Angelo Russell has breathed new life into the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James and Co. had been struggling since winning the inaugural in-season tournament in December. However, they have played great in recent games and gotten back to winning ways. A major reason for their success has been the resurgence of D’Angelo Russell. Not only has Russell helped the Lakers win 3 of their last 4 games, but he might also have saved himself from getting traded from the team.

Amid trade rumors, LeBron James boasted about Russell’s Showtime Lakers moment and recent scoring outburst with 9 words.

LeBron James gives D’Angelo Russell his flowers

LeBron James and Co. decimated the Portland Trail Blazers in the last game. During the game, the Lakers squad gave the fans a memorable moment. D’Angelo Russell delivered an unbelievable bounce-lob pass to LeBron James on a fastbreak during the second quarter. King James read the play beautifully and threw the hammer down. After the game, Russell revealed how it felt to create an unforgettable play with LeBron, “Never thought I’d be able to throw a bounce pass lob to LeBron James in a game.” LeBron shared Russell’s comment on his Instagram story and credited him for the incredible moment. “That boy 9Lo been in his bag!!! Keep loading bro.” the 4-time Champion wrote.

Apart from creating a highlight play for LeBron, D’Angelo also led the last game in scoring with 34 points and 8 assists. He took over the scoring responsibility as the Lakers rested Anthony Davis and played him only 26 minutes. D’Lo is averaging 27.2 points in the last five games and has become the third star the Lakers desperately needed.

Has D’Angelo Russell’s recent performance saved him?

D’Angelo Russell has been in the trade rumors for a long time. He had a mediocre start to the season, and many expected the Lakers to trade him before the February 8 deadline. However, Russell’s recent scoring outburst might have changed the mind of the Lakers front office. He has played great in recent games and has been a crucial part of the Lakers line-up.

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D’Lo signed a 2-year $37 million contract extension last summer and is finally living up to his deal. With Russell showing glimpses of his former All-Star self, the Lakers might have to look at other pieces to trade.

LeBron James and Co. still need another star to be more consistent. And we can expect a big trade in the coming days. The Lakers are in the 9th spot in the Western Conference standings with a 22-22 record. They have only 38 games to turn their season around and bag a higher seed in the West. And a new star will help the Lakers achieve that goal.

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