D’Angelo Russell Already Has A Suitor Waiting in Free Agency

Over the past two years, there hasn't been a player ridiculed more than guard D'Angelo Russell. In Feb. 2023, the Lakers acquired Russell in a three-team trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz.

It was a reunion for Russell heading back to Los Angeles, the same team that drafted him with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

He gave Laker Nation a breath of fresh air after the disaster with Russell Westbrook. But the positive vibes quickly faded in the postseason, as the 28-year-old was a glaring weakness on the floor in the months of April and May for the past two years.

Now if Russell declines his $18.7 million option, he already has a suitor waiting in free agency.

Lakers News: One Team Has Already Expressed Interest in D'Angelo Russell

Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported that the Orlando Magic would have an interest in Russell if he decided to hit the free-agent market.

Iko said, "There is a clear need for an overhaul in the shooting department, and Orlando could benefit from adding guards with playmaking and floor-spacing capabilities."

This past season, Russell averaged 18 points, 6.3 assists, and shot a career-best 41.5% from beyond the arc.

He may be exactly what the Magic are looking for as they ranked 24th in the NBA in 3-point percentage this past season (35.2%).

As for his time with the Lakers, that door looks to be closed. In the first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets, Russell averaged 14.2 points but shot 38.4% from the field and 31.8% from 3-point land. He even scored zero points in a crucial Game 3 loss.

The 28-year-old spent four total seasons wearing the purple and gold, including two in his most recent run, but that tenure seems to be coming to an end. And that's the best option for both sides.

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