The Lakers made their moves during the Draft Night, welcoming two new members to their family. Tennessee product, Dalton Knecht and USC guard, Bronny James, are now officially part of the Purple & Gold squad. Of course, we can’t move ahead without mentioning another significant occurrence. LA also got a shiny new coach in JJ Redick. Now, the next step is free agency. And one of the major questions in the Lakers’ free agency was D’Angelo Russell.

There was strong trade chatter that pointed to D’Lo opting out. However, in the latest report by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Russell decided to do a favor for the team that drafted him second in 2015. “Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is picking up his $18.7 million player option for next season to stay in LA, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.“

This news comes in the wake of the majority trade chatter leaning toward the 28-year-old leaving Los Angeles. His inconsistencies in the postseason performances have been largely the reason for this. That is not to say D’Angelo Russell did not have great nights. When he did get hot, it was beautiful to watch. However, it wasn’t something he did regularly.

But how did Angelo opt in prove to be a blessing in disguise for Rob Pelinka and the front office? If you remember, Los Angeles cannot take back more salary than they send out, without tripping a first-apron hard cap. So, sending out D’Lo’s $18 million and bringing in $43 million worth (annual) Trae Young is a direct route to breaking the above rule. The Purple & Gold just saved $25 million because the IST champion opted in.

Of course, this is just one aspect of the story. The Lakers could very well go forward with their decision to bring in a third star. As of now, their roster is pretty full. So, it won’t be surprising if Pelinka decides to explore free agency to put together the optimal group for JJ Redick to work his magic.

But what was Russell’s reason for staying back?

D’Angelo Russell has his affairs in order for the upcoming season

Interestingly, the man of the hour has a specific reason for deciding to opt in. “I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level,” he explained to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Redick might not have experience coaching NBA-level players. But he sure is popular with them.

That was not all. The 6’3 point guard has his eyes on just one thing. “D’Angelo Russell tells me … his number 1 priority is to win a championship,” Jordan Richard, Founder/CEO of ‘Swish Cultures’ (a media/news company) tweeted. Well, good thing the franchise also has the same goal in mind!

Aside from D’Angelo Russell, Jaxson Hayes has also decided to join the fresh JJ-led team for the 2024-25 season. Shams Charania shared the news that the Lakers’ 7’0 big man “is exercising his $2.4 million player option to return.” Of course, that leaves two significant others questionable.

The franchise superstar, LeBron James, and forward-guard, Cam Reddish have until Saturday to announce their decisions. There is no doubt that it will be an anxious yet thrilling moment. Bron does have every incentive to stay back. But we cannot claim to know the great one’s thoughts. So, we will just have to wait to hear from him.

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!