D'Angelo Russell's gf Laura Ivaniukas keeps Lakers guard's spirits up amid team's 41-point blowout loss
D'Angelo Russell and the LA Lakers suffered their worst defeat of the season on Wednesday against the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center. Russell's girlfriend Laura Ivaniukas, who made the trip, supported her man despite the 41-point blowout loss.
In a post on Instagram stories, Ivaniukas shared a reel of Russell hitting a layup. The Lakers guard finished with 12 points and four assists, but it wasn't enough as they were decimated 134-93. It was an embarrassing performance for the Lakers, but Ivaniukas tried to keep up D'Lo's spirits.
"My man my man my man," Ivaniukas wrote.
D'Angelo Russell returned to the starting lineup for the second straight game, but the LA Lakers lost again. He will likely remain as a starter as long as Austin Reaves is out with a hip injury.
The Lakers will finish their road trip on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. It won't be an easy task, as the Hawks have won five in a row and also snapped the Milwaukee Bucks' seven-game winning streak on Wednesday. They had won back-to-back games against the Cleveland Cavaliers to start their winning run.
Laura Ivaniukas, meanwhile, has been very supportive of D'Angelo Russell since they became a couple in 2020. They have two children together, a son, born in 2022, and a daughter born in August. Laura had previously worked as a model and fitness influencer on YouTube.
D'Angelo Russell linked to trade rumors amid Lakers struggle
The LA Lakers are expected to make some moves ahead of the February trade deadline to help solidify their status as potential playoff contenders. One of the players who could be available is D'Angelo Russell, who has an expiring contract.
It makes Russell an attractive target for teams looking to free some cap space for next offseason. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Lakers will likely make Russell, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent available for trade. They also have two first-round picks that could prove valuable in the future.
NBA insider Jake Fischer suggested a potential package of Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino as an enticing deal for players like Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies and Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. Smart provides playmaking and defense, while Valanciunas is a big man the Lakers are craving for.
"I keep hearing about centers for them, we've talked plenty about the Lakers and the centers market taking shape with Jonas Valančiūnas continuing to be a name linked to there," Fischer said. "Marcus Smart is someone who in theory could fit into that D'Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino type of package."
The Lakers need a big man who can play alongside Anthony Davis, while a legitimate 3-and-D player could take them over the hump in the playoffs.