The D’Angelo Russell experience with the Lakers this year had some big peaks and valleys. During the regular season and in spurts during the postseason, Russell was an integral part of this Lakers team. But in the biggest games of the season against the Nuggets, he was a non-factor.
That sour taste still lingers as the Lakers begin to head into the summer and offseason and, as a result, Russell’s future with the franchise is certainly up in the air. The Lakers are on the precipice of being a title contender again after a Western Conference Finals berth this season and Russell could be seen more as a player that could help the team upgrade more than the piece that can elevate them himself.