The Los Angeles Lakers season has not gone according to the script so far. They were expected to compete for the title. However, with the season reaching its halfway stage, the Lakers currently occupy the 9th spot in the Western Conference standings. LA’s hierarchy needs to alter the current composition of the roster, and it looks like they’re doing exactly that as reports have emerged that D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura could be on the trade block.

However, D’Angelo Russell’s impressive 34-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers may have bought him some time. Even LeBron James posted a story on his Instagram handle praising D-Lo’s exceptional performance. LeBron wrote, “That boy 9Lo been in his bag!! Keep loading bro.” Russell acknowledged King James’ story by reposting his story with the caption, “Gang”.

It’s no surprise that D’Angelo Russell is linked with a trade away from the Lakers. After all, he is currently enduring his worst season, statistically, since the 2017-18 season. He has averaged 16.3 points, 6.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 29.7 minutes of playing time this season. However, Russell seemed to have flipped a switch since his return from a back injury. In the subsequent eight games following his injury, D-Lo has averaged 22.3 points.

The heightened scrutiny he faced appears to have eased with his improved performances in recent games. Following his impressive 34-point performance against the Blazers, a visibly upset Russell received immense love from the fans of the Lakers, with many not wanting to part ways with him. But would trading D’Angelo Russell help the Lakers in the long run?

Should the Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell?

It’s no secret that the Lakers’ hierarchy is actively scanning the trade market to improve their roster. In recent weeks, reports have linked them to Atlanta Hawks’ guard, Dejounte Murray. However, in order to orchestrate a trade for a star like Murray, the Lakers would have to deal away multiple first-round draft picks and a player with All-Star potential. With the Lakers’ unwillingness to include Austin Reaves in a trade, that leaves D-Lo as the only other valuable trade asset that the Lakers might be willing to part ways with.

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However, trading D-Lo could be a mistake. While the Lakers’ three-point shooting stands at 36%, D’Angelo Russell is excelling with an impressive 41.2% accuracy from beyond the arc. The Lakers’ roster lacks players with the ability to create their own shots, and D’Angelo Russell is one of the few exceptions. While Dejounte Murray is an upgrade on Russell, the Lakers should try to keep D-Lo in Los Angeles. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

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