LA Lakers rumors roundup: D'Angelo Russell and team have mutual interest in contract extension, Austin Reaves opens up on impending free agency, and more
Newly acquired LA Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and the Lakers have mutual interest in negotiating a contract extension.
In other news, Lakers second-year wing Austin Reaves touched on his upcoming free agency in a recent interview.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Feb. 16, 2023.
D'Angelo Russell and LA Lakers have mutual interest in contract extension
The LA Lakers acquired D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of last week’s trade deadline in a three-team deal involving Utah.
Russell was brought in to improve the Lakers’ shooting and playmaking. He has since started in all three games for LA, averaging 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.0 3-pointers per game on 45.0% shooting.
Russell is making $31.4 million this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. As a result, the Lakers and Russell are already preparing to negotiate a contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
"Both the Lakers and D'Angelo Russell have already expressed to each other an interest in starting conversations on a contract extension… Expect D’Angelo Russell and the Lakers to start engaging in those extension talks here in the next weeks and months into the offseason,” Wojnarowski reported.
Woj: "D'Angelo Russell & Lakers have mutual interest in contract extension."
#LakeShow https://t.co/5haowwrCTM
The Lakers (27-32, 13th in the West) are 2-1 with Russell. It remains to be seen if the two sides will be able to agree to an extension anytime soon.
Austin Reaves opens up on impending free agency
Austin Reaves has quickly become one of the LA Lakers’ most valuable role players due to his hustle and shot-making ability. The 24-year-old undrafted wing was even put off limits by the Lakers ahead of last Thursday’s trade deadline.
Reaves is averaging 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 3-pointers per game while shooting 49.1% and 37.2% from three through 41 games. He is making just $1.6 million this season and is expected to receive a massive pay raise as a free agent in the offseason.
According to Reaves, he isn’t even thinking about his upcoming free agency yet. During a recent interview with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Reaves touched on his impending free agency, highlighting that he is focused on this season.
“I don’t really think that far ahead. I’m just trying to win games. I love being in Los Angeles, and I love being a Laker. I think when you’re winning as a team, everyone looks good on the team, regardless if you’re averaging 25 or 10 points. If you’re winning, you’re doing something right. It’s all about winning for me."
It has been rumored that Austin Reaves could receive a contract worth as much as four years, $40 million as a free agent. However, the Lakers have given every indication that they plan to keep Reaves long-term.
LeBron James growing frustrated with Anthony Davis
LA Lakers star forward Anthony Davis has only been able to suit up in 35 of the Lakers’ 59 games this season. Davis has also caused some drama as of late.
He opted to sit on the bench while his teammates celebrated when his teammate LeBron James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record last Tuesday. Davis then followed that up by deactivating his Instagram account following the Lakers’ loss to Portland on Monday.
According to Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, James and his camp are now starting to grow frustrated with Davis and his lack of reliability.
“LeBron and his camp have been frustrated by how many minutes he has to play. They can’t depend on Anthony Davis. They are also mad that Darvin Ham is not keeping the pressure on Anthony Davis,” Cowherd reported.
Cowherd then went on to name Dallas as a possible trade suitor for Davis if the Lakers opt to move on from him in the offseason.
“I talked to an NBA source who I’ve known for a long time, he said the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis, keep your eye on it. Anthony Davis is pouting, LeBron’s holding him accountable, LeBron’s not happy with him, AD’s gone into a funk, it’s not a coincidence."
@ColinCowherd: "LeBron and his camp have been frustrated by how many minutes he has to play. They cant depend on Anthony Davis. They are also mad that Darvin Ham is not keeping the pressure on Anthony Davis."🔊@ColinCowherd: "LeBron and his camp have been frustrated by how many minutes he has to play. They cant depend on Anthony Davis. They are also mad that Darvin Ham is not keeping the pressure on Anthony Davis." https://t.co/7ybSOgD76Z
Davis is averaging 26.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.0 blocks per game on 56.2% shooting through 35 games. If made available in the offseason, he would likely have multiple trade suitors. However, Davis’ future with the Lakers will likely depend on how they finish the season. LA now sits at 27-32 and 13th in the Western Conference with 23 games remaining.
Also read: How are Anthony Davis’ stats affected after Russell Westbrook's exit from LA Lakers?