Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has confirmed to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he will activate his $18.7-million player option for the 2024-25 season.
Russell, who rejoined the Lakers in 2023 following a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, completed his first full season back with the team. Last season, he averaged 18 points with a shooting percentage of 45.6% from the floor and 41.5% from beyond the arc. Despite his regular season performance, his numbers dropped during the playoffs, leading to criticism as the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets.
Initially signed to a two-year, $36-million contract as a free agent last offseason, Russell was given a player option for the second year. Had he opted out, he would have been one of the top scorers available on the market this summer.
The 28-year-old played 69 games as a starter and came off the bench in seven others during the regular season. He started all five postseason games.
Russell was originally drafted by the Lakers with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft. Early in his career, immaturity issues led to his trade to the Brooklyn Nets after just two seasons. He then spent two years in Brooklyn, followed by a year with the Golden State Warriors, and over three years in Minnesota before returning to the Lakers.
Russell, an All-Star in 2019 with the Nets, has career averages of 17.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
In addition to Russell, Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has also picked up his player option, securing his return for $2.4 million, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Hayes, who previously played under new Lakers coach JJ Redick on the New Orleans Pelicans, averaged 4.3 points in 70 appearances last season.
