D'Angelo Russell Shines Without LeBron: Time for the Lakers to Consider a Trade?

The Los Angeles Lakers breathed a sigh of relief after ending a three-game skid with a 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The win came without LeBron James, who sat out for the first time this season. What’s more surprising? The Lakers looked like a cohesive and dominant unit without their star player, with three players scoring 20+ points, and D’Angelo Russell delivering a season-best performance.

Russell dropped 28 points and 14 assists, recording his first 28-point, 14-assist game as a Laker—something no Lakers guard had done since Kobe Bryant in 2004. It was a throwback to the days when Russell was an All-Star for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2018-19 season. The narrative has now shifted: should the Lakers trade Russell, and if so, how would that impact LeBron and the team’s playoff aspirations?

Russell’s Numbers Without LeBron

This isn’t the first time Russell has flourished in LeBron’s absence. Last season, when James missed 11 games, Russell averaged an impressive 21.7 points, 10.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 41% from three-point range. The Lakers went 6-5 in those games, holding their own without their leader.

For fans and analysts alike, this sparks an intriguing debate. Is Russell being held back by LeBron’s ball-dominant style, or does he simply thrive in situations where he’s the primary playmaker? Either way, his stellar performances when LeBron is sidelined make it clear that he still possesses All-Star-level talent, despite his fluctuating role with the team.

Russell’s Role with the Lakers

At 28 years old, Russell is theoretically in his prime. However, his role on the Lakers has been inconsistent at best. He’s already come off the bench 10 times in the 23 games he’s played this season, a stark contrast to the starting role he held during his All-Star year with the Nets.

So far this season, Russell is averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 42.2% from the field and 34.3% from three. While these numbers are solid, they’re a far cry from his production as a starter in Brooklyn.

It’s no secret that this is a contract year for Russell. Earning $18.69 million this season, he’ll be a free agent next summer. Unfortunately, his inconsistent role and diminished stats don’t bode well for his next payday. A trade to a team that needs a primary point guard could be the reset he needs to reestablish his value.

Should the Lakers Trade Russell?

The Lakers find themselves at a crossroads with Russell. On one hand, he’s adapted well to his bench role and hasn’t publicly voiced dissatisfaction, making him a reliable team player. On the other, his performances without LeBron suggest he’s capable of much more than his current role allows.

For teams in need of a dynamic playmaker, Russell represents an attractive trade target. His ability to deliver All-Star-caliber numbers as a lead guard makes him an intriguing option for franchises looking to boost their offensive firepower. If the Lakers were to move him, they could potentially acquire assets or players who better fit their system and timeline.

However, the Lakers don’t appear to have immediate plans to trade Russell. His seamless transition into a bench role and positive attitude have made him a valuable piece of their rotation. That said, if a compelling offer comes before the trade deadline, both parties might benefit from a change of scenery.

The Bigger Picture for LeBron and the Lakers

LeBron’s absence against the Trail Blazers was a rare opportunity for the Lakers to showcase their depth. With a 13-11 record, the team sits eighth in the Western Conference. While this is far from a disastrous start, the Lakers have higher aspirations, and a midseason trade could help them address their weaknesses.

LeBron, who is approaching his 39th birthday, will have nearly a week to recover before the Lakers face the Timberwolves on December 14. A rejuvenated LeBron could spell trouble for opponents, as he looks to return to his dominant form.

For now, the Lakers must decide how to maximize their roster. Whether that involves trading Russell or continuing to integrate him into their system, the team still has time to solidify their playoff positioning and make a deep postseason run.

Russell’s performance without LeBron has added another layer to this already complex season for the Lakers. It’s a testament to his talent but also a reminder of the challenges of finding the right fit in a star-studded roster. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see how they navigate this pivotal moment.