While most rosters are set for next season, Rob Pelinka has failed to attract any talent to the Lakers this summer. Because of how close they are to crossing the second apron of luxury tax, the only viable trade option seems to be dealing away D’Angelo Russell who recently opted into his $18.7 million player option. Pelinka has reported interest in acquiring Jerami Grant, which has sparked rumors of D’Lo possibly getting traded to Portland. However, the Blazers’ lack of interest in D’Lo has led to new links.

“Portland has no interest in Russell, according to sources close to that situation,” in exchange for Grant. Meanwhile, there were also speculations about D’Lo linking up with former Champion Jordan Poole in Washington. However, sources have revealed that “Washington is wary” about the Poole-Russell pairing. Maybe, some of it has to do with Poole not being able to adjust as the primary option for the Wizards last season after he spent 4 years playing behind Steph and Klay in Golden State.

D’Lo also has a similar issue as he performs at a high level during the regular season, but has not proven that he is good enough to lead a team to playoff success. While the doors seem closed in Portland and Washington, there is reported interest from the Raptors and D’Lo’s former team, the Brooklyn Nets. However, more than his talent, the two teams are interested in his expiring contract, which they can leverage to get better next season via LakersDaily.

As of now, the best option for Russell could be to either stay in LA or rejoin the Nets. That’s because the Nets are seeking a primary point guard as Ben Simmons has been MIA for most of his tenure. D’Lo played the best basketball of his career when he was part of the Nets from 2017 to 2019. Averaging 21.1 points in his 2nd season there, he made his maiden All-Star team in 2019. So, a return to Brooklyn could help him regain his groove.

The Lakers might be stuck with D’Angelo Russell; situation from 8 years ago might be a key reason

Although there are multiple suitors for D’Lo, there seems to be a lot of hesitation in making the move. Even if Pelinka trades D’Lo and gets rid of his massive contract, he will be left with a huge dilemma. Who will be the Lakers’ next primary ballhandler? As of now, there is no one in the market better than Russell at his position. While he might not be the best option in the playoffs, LeBron’s teammate has averaged nearly 18 points in the last two seasons, also helping the Lakers reach the West Finals last year.

Moreover, another reason teams would be reluctant to add Russell is because of his reputation. Due to several past incidents, he has been known to be a problem in the locker room. In 2016, during his first tenure with the Lakers, he broke the unwritten locker room rule after secretly taping Nick Young, revealing intricate details about his relationships with other women.

At the time, D’Lo’s former teammate was engaged to rapper Iggy Azalea. Sure enough, Russell caught a lot of heat after the video went public and he was even isolated from the Lakers locker room.

Even though it’s been many years, teams won’t want to risk their locker room chemistry by adding a player with such a reputation. And that means, Pelinka might eventually have to deal with the fact that D’Lo will remain a Laker at least to start the next season.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger