D'Angelo Russell plans to exercise option, return to Lakers

Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.plans to opt into the final year of his contract for $18.7 million, he told Swish Cultures a day before the deadline for the decision.

Russell, 28, is coming off a strong season for L.A. thanks to a second-half surge. He finished his ninth season with averages of 18.0 points on 45.6% shooting , 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds. The Lakers discussed a Russell trade with several teams last season, looking to upgrade the point guard position in part because of Russell's struggles in the 2023 Western Conference finals against thewith the No. 55 pick this week, L.A. still has the ability to trade two future first-round picks, which, paired with an expiring contract the size of Russell's, could lead to a new-look lineup for the Lakers.

The Lakers have replaced Darvin Ham -- whom Russell struggled to see eye-to-eye with at times -- with JJ Redick at head coach since the season ended with another playoff loss to Denver. Redick, an elite 3-point shooter in his own right during his playing career, spoke about his desire for more 3s across the roster for next season. It stands to reason he would value the skill set of Russell, who broke the Lakers' single-season 3-pointers made record last season with 226.

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