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Lakers Trade Rumors: Darvin Ham Shuns D’Angelo Russell Talks With Latest Remarks After Guard’s Team-High Performance

Published 01/18/2024, 12:08 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers won against the Dallas Mavericks today, 127-110. They are now 4-2 in their last 6 games and are finally at .500 again. This comes as a sigh of relief for the purple and gold since they lost 10 of their 13 games before this. Post-game, their coach, Darvin Ham, couldn’t be happier! The only thing here though, amidst the trade rumors going around, is D’Angelo Russell and his position in the team. The point guard returned to the starting lineup and dropped a team-high 29 points, shooting 5-7 from beyond the a

It seems D’Lo is safe. Coach Ham shunned away all the trade rumors surrounding him that have been circulating for quite a while. This is what the coach had to say, “We re-signed him because we knew he could help us. We believe in him… It’s that time of year, I guess, with the trade talks…”

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It looks like Russell isn’t going anywhere! Since D’Lo also was all about team unity and their performance after the game. Take a look. This is what he said post-game, “Huge, huge. Tough team right there! Everybody contributed. Huge win for us”.

And why not? It was Russell and the entire team who collaborated to win against Luka Doncic’s triple-double. At halftime, the Lakers had a 55-53 score. This was before they took control in the third quarter. Later, Russell and the team were up to 62-59 within two minutes into that quarter, before moving on to a 27-8 run over the next 5 minutes. This is when Russell stood up and scored 10 points, leading the team to a “huge huge” win.

So why are the trade rumors surrounding Russell? It turns out that trade rumors and Russel have a long-pending relationship and it doesn’t bother him anymore.

Trade rumors don’t bother D’Angelo Russell

Throughout his career, D’Lo has been involved in many trade moves and speculations. These rumors have often led him to different teams, including the trade from last season where he was brought back to Southern California.

His return there invigorated the team with fresh enthusiasm, taking them from a team that struggled in the play-ins to the West Conference Finals. But then again, he was re-signed to the Lakers, waiving his no-trade clause. This opened up many trading potentials, including rumors about a potential move this season.

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But this time around, with Darvin Ham giving such statements post-game, it is highly unlikely Russell will be involved in another trade. Russell only has one thing to say to these rumors: “It is what it is”.

Following the Lakers’ loss against the Suns, when the rumors were making the rounds, this is what he also said, “Since I’ve been in the league, I’ve kind of been dealing with that to where I know I can’t control it. I know those things happen no matter how well you play, how professional you act, how many shots you make or miss. It’s going to happen regardless. I don’t really go about my day worrying about that to be honest.”

So, even when rumors float the strongest, it seems neither D’Angelo Russell nor his coach are bothered.

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Up next for the Lakers, they will continue their home stand throughout the weekend and host the Nets on Friday. They are also going to be hosting the Trail Blazers on Sunday.

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Written by:

Saumya Khanduja

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One take at a time

Navigating the dynamic world of NBA narratives, I find solace in the rhythm of the game and the symphony of stories that unfold on and off the court. As an NBA editor at EssentiallySports, I am privileged to be at the intersection of passion and profession, where every buzzer-beater and behind-the-scenes tale fuels my love for the game. With a keen eye for the nuances that make basketball more than just a sport, I ensure to weave the right words to capture the essence of each slam dunk, every strategic play, and the relentless pursuit of greatness by athletes who defy gravity.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe