LeBron James took to social media to shower D’Angelo Russell with praise amid Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors.
Russell has been playing at a high level lately and LeBron has had a front-row seat to the Lakers guard’s stellar performances.
Over his last five games, Russell is averaging 27.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 55.9% from the field, 53.7% from beyond the arc and 100% from the free-throw line. The Lakers are 3-2 since head coach Darvin Ham put Russell back into the starting lineup.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LeBron’s praise of Russell is noteworthy since the Lakers are ready to trade Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft picks to the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray. LeBron, Murray and Anthony Davis have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Hawks want a third team to acquire Russell in a Murray trade with the Lakers.
Russell is averaging 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks on the season while shooting 48.1% from the floor, 41.2% from 3 and 78.0% from the foul line. He’s making $17.3 million.
Russell signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the Lakers last offseason. The Ohio State product has a player option worth $18.7 million for next season.
The Hawks are expected to move Murray before the February 8 trade deadline and most insiders expect the Lakers to acquire the one-time All-Star. If Murray gets traded to Los Angeles, Russell will be part of the deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It will be fascinating to see if Russell gets traded by the Lakers for a second time. Russell was traded by LAL in 2017 to the Brooklyn Nets.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
