Lakers Re-Sign D'Angelo Russell for Two More Years

In his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, point guard D'Angelo Russell is officially re-signing with the team on a two-year, $37-million deal.

Russell -- who was originally selected by the Lakers second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft -- re-joined Los Angeles via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves last February.

Through the Lake Show's playoff run last year, Russell played fantastically in each of the first two rounds against the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors. It was a different case in the Western Conference Finals versus the Denver Nuggets as Russell produced a double-digit point total in only one game en route to the Lakers being swept.

D'Angelo Russell's 2023-24 Outlook

"DLo" is a quality ball-handler with plenty of offensive talent. A lifetime 17.7 points per game scorer through eight NBA seasons, Russell has continually improved his perimeter shooting. Last year, he made 39.6% of his three-pointers -- including 41.4% after being traded back to the Lakers -- which is the Ohio State product's most prolific clip at the NBA level.

Despite a tough series in the recent conference finals versus Denver, Russell is a proper starting point guard for the LeBron James-led Lakers. Alongside Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura -- who are also returning to the Purple and Gold -- the Lakers have quality depth in addition to top-end talent.

Russell should be in for a productive season in 2023-24, and his outside shooting will be valuable for LA.

Betting Odds Impact

Along with the aforementioned transactions to retain Russell, Reaves and Hachimura, Los Angeles has also signed guard Gabe Vincent away from the Miami Heat.

All in all, it's been a busy offseason for LA.

Before free agency started last week, FanDuel Sportsbook had the Lakers' NBA Finals odds at +1500 -- seventh best in the NBA. Despite the flurry of moves this summer, LA's championship odds remain exactly the same (+1500). The lack of odds movement isn't necessarily an indictment on the Lakers' moves. It's likely more of an indication that a lot of these moves were already baked into the Lakers' pre-free agency title odds.

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