Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell plans to opt into the final year of his contract for $18.7 million, he told ESPN a day before the deadline for the decision.
Russell, 28, is coming off a strong season for L.A. thanks to a second-half surge. He finished his ninth season with averages of 18.0 points on 45.6% shooting (41.5% from 3), 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds.
Russell, who found himself at the center of trade talks last season, made it clear that he intends to stay in Los Angeles and play for the Lakers’ new coach, JJ Redick.
“I love what JJ is about and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level,” Russell told…
