JJ Redick vows to put Lakers' $18.6 million trade candidate in position to have a 'career year'
JJ Redick aims to make the most of the returning D'Angelo Russell in his first season as LA Lakers coach. Russell's future was up in the air, with a $18.6 million player option being the deciding factor. Another was his prospects as a trade candidate.
However, once the dust settled on the Dejounte Murray rumors and LA seemed unlikely to make a move before the season started, Russell committed another year to the team by opting in.
While many view him as the first domino to fall when the Lakers pursue marginal upgrades closer to the trade deadline, coach Redick has other plans for his starting point guard.
"He was probably the guy that I talked to the most of anyone on the roster," Redick said in Wednesday's press conference.
"We had a number of conversations during free agency and throughout July and August, and he's gonna have a major role on this team. I think the thing that D'Lo and I have talked about a lot is just like, let's put you in a position to have a career year."
You may listen to JJ Redick's comments at the 28:12 mark.
D'Angelo Russell has been in the trade rumor mill since the February trade deadline. The Lakers reportedly wanted to part with him in their pursuit of Dejounte Murray. However, a deal never materialized.
Meanwhile, Murray joined the Pelicans this offseason, seemingly ending the chances of Russell departing this offseason, at least.
JJ Redick will start Russell for the foreseeable future after announcing on Tuesday on insider Zach Lowe's podcast that he would start the veteran guard next to Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis.
Russell's game, offensively, is something Redick could help elevate further, especially after the former had one of his best 3-point shooting seasons. Russell shot 41.5% from deep on a team-high 7.2 attempts. He averaged 18.0 points a game and 6.3 assists in 76 appearances.
Russell was a viable third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, especially in the second half of the season.
JJ Redick could be the perfect coach for D'Angelo Russell
Several factors impacted D'Angelo Russell's up-and-down start to last season. Former coach Darvin Ham frequently struggled to put his starting guard in positions to thrive. Russell often wasn't paired with the best units. It also saw him lose his starting spot after the team's woeful run after winning the In-Season tournament.
However, when played next to the right pieces, especially the core that was key in the team's 2023 Western Conference finals run, Russell came alive and produced multiple game-altering performances.
He did all that while playing for a coach who wasn't as efficient with orchestrating modernized offensive sets for the team. That's predictably changing with JJ Redick, who has spoken about increasing the team's 3-point shooting volume and ball movement and improving the team's shot profile.
All three things are something D'Angelo Russell could benefit from, considering his pedigree as a lethal threat from long range. Not just that, Redick's intentions to use LeBron James in an off-ball role could also see Russell take on more playmaking responsibility, which he seemingly enjoys.