Things haven’t gone according to the script for the Los Angeles Lakers. Before the start of the season, they were expected to challenge for the NBA title. However, with the season reaching its halfway mark, the Lakers languish outside the guaranteed playoff spots in the Western Conference standings. LA must promptly address the problem areas within their roster if they still harbor ambitions of an NBA title. Recent reports have suggested that D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura could be on their way out of the team. As of now, it’s all rumors. Yet fans aren’t happy.

Yesterday, the Lakers won a crucial game against the Portland Trail Blazers, with D’Angelo Russell contributing 34 points and 8 assists. He made a strong comeback after a poor December. But his reputation as a streaky scorer remains. Despite his impressive performance, D-Lo looked unhappy due to the swirling trade rumors. Similarly, Rui Hachimura looked inexpressive, likely influenced by the trade speculations connecting him to a departure from the Lakers.

“Since I’ve been in the league I’ve kind of been dealing with that, where I know I can’t control it. I don’t really go about my day even worrying about that, to be honest,” Russell said last week about the rumors.

In the Portland Trail Blazers post-game interview, a teary-eyed D’Angelo Russell expressed his love for the Lakers. This particular incident showed his strong attachment to playing for the Lakers. Coming to Hachimura, he has struggled with injuries this season. This led to multiple role changes. But the Lakers’ fans can’t see them go.

Fans want D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura to stay with the Lakers

In a viral video, Russell appeared visibly distraught on the bench. Responding to the same, one Instagram user wrote, “We better not f**king trade them.” Many speculated the reason was the persistent trade talks.

“If we traded Dlo I will actually cry. This man gave it his all the last games to not get traded,” wrote another fan. But the nine-season NBA veteran is no stranger to being traded. He has twice been traded on the same day as the deadline. The first time was when he was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Golden State Warriors in February 2020. And the second time in February 2023, when the Lakers acquired him from the Timberwolves.

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However, an Instagram user called out a lot of Lakers fans who were calling for D-Lo to be traded just a month ago. They wrote, “you guys complained all last month about d’lo and now you’re starting to feel bad cause they actually going to do it ! but the real problem is the coaches , nothing is going to change.”

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Plenty of social media users called out Lakers’ coach Darvin Ham. His substitution patterns and lineup combinations are some aspects that have been criticized.

A fan wrote, “It’s not the players it inconsistent and improper lineups. The stress of the deadline can’t help it either please keep these guys!” Meanwhile, another Lakers fan shared the same sentiment. They wrote, “Lakers FO chose Darvin Ham over Bron and AD btw Trades are useless if Darvin Ham is still the coach.”

Do you think trading D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below!

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