Why there are D’Angelo Russell free agency rumors today

Friday saw an influx of rumors about D’Angelo Russell’s free agency based on a seemingly erroneous report about him declining his player option.

When D’Angelo Russell stated that he would use the leverage he had this offseason at his exit interview, he effectively stated that he would be opting out of his contract.

While that day is certain to come, it’s going to happen in late June before free agency and not in early May. Still, rumors started flying on Friday about Russell based on a report that he had opted out of his contract.

While Christian Wood did recently make a decision on his option, his was far more obvious and was also him opting into a deal. With Russell, there’s going to be a lot more that goes into the decision, including determining if he has other suitors on the market in free agency.

Predictably, within a couple of hours, there was eventually a report from, to be honest, a more credible source that D’Lo has not opted out yet.

Again, there is likely going to be a report at some point that Russell will opt out. It’s in his best interest and it would be him using his leverage.

Teams like Orlando or San Antonio both have cap space and a need for a guard. If he can find someone who would be willing to offer him a good chunk of money, it’s going to put the Lakers in a tough spot of either bringing him back on a big contract or risk losing him for nothing.

Again, though, he and his agent have to make sure those types of offers are out there before he opts out. And with the playoffs going on, those conversations are either just starting or haven’t even truly begun yet.

So, no, Russell has not opted out of his contract. That decision won’t come for at least a month. But it will almost certainly come and is something the Lakers are certainly prepared for.

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