4 Lakers Who Will Be Replaced This Offseason
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their hands full this NBA offseason. After being unceremoniously dumped from the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets for the second straight year, the Lakers still must hire a new coach and improve the roster as they attempt to re-enter the championship picture next season.
If Los Angeles is going to bring in some new faces, Lakers fans must be prepared to say goodbye to old ones. Several players left much to be desired after last season's shortcomings and it wouldn't be shocking if general manager Rob Pelinka replaces them with more consistent contributors who are hungry to win a title.
With that in mind, here are four Lakers who'll likely be replaced at some point this summer.
1. D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG
When D'Angelo Russell is on his game, he's one of the better point guards in the association. The 28-year-old veteran proved that during the 2023-24 regular season as he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 steals with .456/.415/.828 splits across 76 games.
The issue with Russell is that he tends to go dormant once the postseason arrives. Like last year's playoffs, the ex-Ohio State guard came up short against the Nuggets this spring. Even though his playing time increased by four minutes in the playoffs, Russell was less productive, averaging 14.2 PTS/4.2 AST/2.8 REB while shooting 38.4% from the floor and 31.8% from deep.
Russell's worst performance, by far, came in Game 3 when he shot 0-for-7 from the floor and only registered three rebounds and two assists. Considering how the Lakers only lost that game by seven points, it's easy to see how things could've been different had the Louisville, KY native stepped up.
Russell has an $18.6 million player option this offseason, but that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to return. His name has drawn interest in trade circles and it wouldn't be a surprise if GM Pelinka attempted a sign-and-trade deal to upgrade the backcourt.
Having a reliable secondary playmaker is needed for when LeBron James isn't on the floor and it's clear that Russell doesn't fit the bill. Unless the Lakers see something in the struggling PG that we don't, chances are he's as good as gone.