Fact Check: Has D’Angelo Declined His $18.6 Million Player Option With Lakers? Debunking NBA Hot Rumor

After the LA Lakers‘ early exit from the postseason, all eyes are on the big off-season changes. The side has already dropped a massive one, dismissing their head coach, Darvin Ham, despite a successful stint. Apart from that, the NBA world awaits the decision of two players who enter the ‘player option’ in the summer, LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell. While James revealed that he is yet to make the decision, the hoop nation took D’Lo for a spin in the trade rumor land.

After ESPN’s Brian Windhorst’s comment on Russell entering the free agency, a report claimed that he had declined the player option for the 2024-25 season. The Lakers roped him in 2023 ahead of the trade deadline from the Wolves. And, in the off-season, the team signed a two-year contract worth $36 million with a player option in the second year.

The first year of the contract went down dramatically. D’Lo had a hot and cold regular season, but he finished it on a high note, averaging 18 points per game with 45.6% FG and 41.5% from the arc. However, he took a major hit for his postseason performance, which eventually ended their run. He recorded a poor shooting percentage of 38% FG and 31.8% from the arc. Importantly, he went scoreless in Game 3 with 0-7 FG. These implications may have played a role in the trade rumor. But, in reality, D’Lo hasn’t declined his player option worth $18.6 million as per Brett Siegel, an NBA insider.

On the other end, Russell doesn’t seem to be disappointed with his run with the Lakers. After the exit from the playoffs, he said, “Hell of a year by D’Angelo. Humbly saying that.” And speaking of his future, “When I signed my contract last year, I knew what position I was going to put myself… I’ll try to take advantage of it.”

Will D’Angelo Russell continue with the Lakers?

While there isn’t any official confirmation, two latest reports from The Athletic reporters might give an idea about the star’s future. Jovan Buha, in his Q&A session in his latest upload, revealed the Lakers’ draft scenario. He added that the Lakers would look to acquire a third star or strengthen its roster by trading one of their first-round picks.

Buha only considered Anthony Davis, and LeBron James as the two stars and left out D’Lo. This may sound like Russell could opt out of his player option and look for a better team. At the same time, Shams Charania dropped an interesting update. He said that the Lakers are interested in picking Bronny James in the draft.

In that case, Russell could act as a perfect mentor for the young guard and make his journey smooth with the Lakers fold. Nevertheless, unless and until the franchise drops an official update, any conversation surrounding the trade remains a rumor. Do you think Russell will be better off staying with the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.