Russell Westbrook Deja Vu for Lakers With D’Angelo Russell?

The trade market is swirling once again. Like it has been season after season in recent times, the Los Angeles Lakers are exploring their opportunities to turn the season around. Currently a game below 21, the 17-time champions are looking to add a third star besides Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Their lack of assets or picks has put one man on the chopping block. For weeks rumors have grown wild surrounding D’Angelo Russell.

The 6’3″ point guard joined the Lakers last season after having spent three seasons in Minnesota. For D’Lo it was a homecoming. He termed his return to the Purple and Gold as his salvation. However, after a subpar start to the season and an abysmal December, the franchise began having talks to trade Russell.

Atlanta Hawks‘ Dejounte Murray is rumored to be the Lakers’ target. Recent news suggests their chase won’t be an easy one due to this one trait D’Lo shares with ex-point guard for the Lakers – Russell Westbrook.

D’Angelo Russell and Russell Westbrook are sailing in the same boat?

Reminiscing their 2020 champion, the Lakers made a blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021 in hopes of making him the third option behind LBJ and Davis. Coming back home and playing for his boyhood franchise was a dream for Russ – a dream that would be characterized by haunting times and insults from his very own fanbase.

After struggling to adapt to a passive role, Westbrook became the Laker Nation’s enemy. They coined the nickname ‘Westbrick’, a dig at the former MVP’s shooting slump. Every touch of the ball was marred with boos and harsh chants. The Lakers had to move on, and so they chose D’Angelo Russell.

Yet now, they are watching a similar story play out.

See when the Lakers tried to trade for Westbrook, opposing teams wanted a lot in return. Namely, two first-round picks alongside Brodie was the demand. It made the job tough, but the organization finally gave the picks away. Well, Deja Vu strikes and the league is taking a similar stance as they did before with Russell.

Over the past weeks, there have been talks with the Hawks inquiring about Murray’s status. The defensive guard is targeted to assist the franchise in strengthening their defensive identity while also providing them with timely scoring. Unfortunately, both sides have entered an impasse due to Atlanta’s demand for draft compensation. The Lakers have only one first-round pick.

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Is it worth gambling?

D’Lo is booming at the right time

Maybe if asked about it in December, the Laker Nation would gladly agree to the idea of offloading D’Angelo Russell. But since he came back from a tailbone injury, he has been the perfect star for the Lakers. It has been his best scoring stretch in years. Russell looks like his vintage self, confidently taking his shots and playing at his own pace. The switch took place ever since Darwin Ham started playing him on the ball more.

In the past ten games, he has put up 23.5 points per game while shooting 51% from the field and 48.8% from three. He has never looked this sharp or dangerous in a Laker uniform. D’Lo is letting the game come to him and playing it with certitude. Just when trade talks were gaining traction, Russell has become the Lakers’ light.

Still, that hasn’t exactly affected his trade value. Being a streaky scorer, teams aren’t going to assume Russell playing at this level for the remainder of the season. While they could be wrong, they won’t mind seeing it is their leverage to have talks with the Lakers. The Hawks reportedly are trying to restore the draft capital they had to forego when trading for Dejounte Murray.

Seeing that the dynamic with Trae Young hasn’t provided dividends, the Eastern Conference side isn’t hesitating to float his name around. But does he outweigh Russell by so much that the Lakers should consider giving up that final pick?

A host for Laker Nation said if the league believes the Purple and Gold have to pay to deal Russell, it’s better to keep him. I for one agree with him.

Murray is an exponentially greater defender than Russell. He is a former All-Defensive guard, someone who is renowned for his play on that side of the floor. It would prevent opponents from exploiting Russell, who is the weak link on defense. But the Hawks guard isn’t having an offensive season that jumps out at you.

Sure, he had back-to-back game-winners only a week ago, but those are only the best bits. He too is battling an active slump. On the other hand, Russell has been rejuvenated since his injury. If that’s how he looks with the ball in his hands, the Los Angeles Lakers don’t have much to worry about.

At this point, they need to figure out how to maximize his streak. Moreover, also make him happy and feel secure as a Laker. Concerns mounted after Russell’s dead expression moments after dropping 34 against Portland. If he is feeling distant, now is the time to make him feel appreciated.

They can’t make the same mistake they did with Westbrook. As a point guard, D’Lo is best when the ball is his hands. No doubt LeBron James is a superior basketball playmaker, but it’s about maximizing the potential. Russell having the rock is what enables him to play freely rather than adjusting to an off-the-ball role.

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Given the asking price and his resurgence, the Lakers should avoid dealing him. Westbrook is thriving with the Clippers in his limited proximity. The Lakers would hate to see D’Lo do the same for another team if traded. All they need to scratch their brains for is to find a method to prolong the guard’s remarkable run.

Do you think Russell needs to be traded? Let us know in the comments below.