Do you remember the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8? With just five seconds left and no LeBron James, the Bucks were leading 122-121 and then D’Angelo Russell struck gold. Wrestling his way through a defender, Russell nailed home a two-pointer to seal the game for the Lakers. However, DLo has not always been consistent with the Lakers’ and, according to reports, GM Rob Pelinka is on the lookout for a replacement.

While there are several arguments as to why Pelinka should trade Russell, including the financial constraints of keeping him, the point guard’s inconsistent performances, and LeBron’s alleged dislike of DLo, there are also certain benefits. In a recent conversation between Lakers Daily reporter Anthony Irwin and Brian Kamenetzky of the Locked On Lakers podcast, Irwin suggested three compelling reasons why Russell shouldn’t be traded.

“I want all the smoke” – LA Lakers depend heavily on Russell

“The Lakers need D’Angelo Russell a hell of a lot more than the rest of the league seems to think that they need D’Angelo Russell,” Irwin said on Locked On Lakers. Although Russell’s time at the Lakers has seen its share of highs and lows, DLo almost always seems to perform better under pressure and this has benefited the Lakers immensely.

In the match against the Bucks six months ago, the Lakers were on the brink of a loss. Russell put forth a spectacular display, finishing the game with a season-best 44 points and made nine three-pointers along with nine assists and six rebounds. He also scored the clutch point that sealed the win for the Lakers.

Even Russell has said that criticism and pressure make him a star: “Public humiliation has molded me into the killer that y’all see today. I never lack confidence, I never fear confrontation, I want all the smoke. I want to talk about it,” he said after the masterclass against the Bucks.

Moreover, Russell is reportedly the third most important player in the Lakers, behind LeBron and Anthony Davis. In this regard, Irwin seems to suggest that the Lakers shouldn’t be in a rush to trade Russell given his good form.

Trading D’Angelo Russell is high risk if LA Lakers want to be in playoff contention

Irwin reiterated Russell’s importance to the Lakers by saying that DLo is crucial for the Purple and Gold if they intend to stay in playoff contention. Accordingly, he explored two variables—a high-risk and a low-risk one. The low-risk option involves keeping Russell because there’s “nobody better equipped” to lead a playoff team.

On the other hand, the high-risk option is to trade Russell and see what the Lakers can get if they want to seriously compete for a championship. “If you’re really interested in like competing for a championship if you’re really interested in like trying to maximize the final two years while LeBron somehow is still a top 10 to 15 player in the NBA entering his age 40 season and Anthony Davis is still in his prime then you need to figure out a way to … see what you can get for D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract.”

This brings us to the final point Irwin mentioned, which is that the Lakers have faced challenges trying to trade Russell.

Significant cost – LA Lakers just can’t seem to trade Russell

Getting a worthwhile return for Russell has been an issue for the Lakers and Irwin suggests that it isn’t a lack of trying but any upgrade would come at a cost the Lakers are reluctant to pay. Moreover, Irwin highlighted the issue of draft picks.

“The problem that they’re (Lakers) running into these negotiations across the league is that they have two picks and everybody wants both of those picks,” he said. Irwin also suggested that in such a situation, it would be better if the Lakers traded one of their draft picks separately and then negotiated with the understanding that they don’t have another FRP to offer.

Here, Irwin seems to suggest that trading Russell is not worth all the risk and it would be better if DLo continued playing for the Purple and Gold.