An elite point guard, D’Angelo Russell, is also a soccer lover. And he keeps abreast of all things happening in the soccer world. Which is why, when Antoine Griezmann, the 37-year-old French phenom, was honored ahead of their Copa Del Ray match for becoming Atletico Madrid’s All-Time Scorer, D’Lo couldn’t let it go without at least a salute.

Taking to his Instagram, ahead of his own Lakers vs Nets game tonight, Russell tagged Griezmann with a salute emoji. The original post shared by ESPN FC showed an emotional Antoine with his family receiving the honor.

Even as the D’Angelo Russell-Dejounte Murray trade talks are in full swing, the 27-year-old All-Star continues to give his best to the team. Especially now that he’s back in the starting lineup. With the Lakers‘ struggles taking prominence, Darvin Ham had been on a roll with shaking things up in the team. One such shake-up was sending Russell to the bench on December 23 vs the OKC.

Although he wasn’t happy with the bench role, D’Lo stayed committed to his team and the game. His open talks with Coach Ham also helped him become accustomed to the situation. So between the obvious struggles of LA, leading to crucial trade decisions, and having to put Russell on the table to make a deal fall through, Ham finds himself in the middle of a tight sandwich. Or a good old pickle. Pick your poison.

But will the Hawks be satisfied with this arrangement?

The D’Angelo Russell trade to the Hawks hangs on a fine balance

The Purple & Gold look pretty serious about wanting Dejounte Murray on their team. Although trade talks with Atlanta have reached a framework stage, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the discussion since has relapsed. While the Lakers need an immediate solution, the Hawks are still in no rush.

Amid Trade Rumors, D’Angelo Russell Gets Hailed as “Pitbull Without a Lease” After Dominant Display Against the Mavericks

One reason is Russell’s $18.69 million player option for next season. And the other, more importantly, is that D’Lo’s playing style isn’t seen as the best fit besides Trae Young. Unless there is a third team that’s willing to land D’Angelo Russell in the process, a trade happening between the two seems to be in limbo.

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There is, of course, another option – include players like Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura. But that’s something the franchise has drawn a line at. Then again, as trade talks picked up initially, anyone not named LeBron James and Anthony Davis were potential candidates for a move from LA.

Though the discussions have stalled, for now, there is no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers will have a very tough time closer to the deadline. Will the Lakers’ desperation lead to some difficult decisions? Possibly a trade that will see fan-favorite Reaves on the chopping block? Let us know your thoughts on the matter!

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