D’Angelo Russell’s free agency decision will go a long way 

The Lakers face several crucial decisions this offseason, with D’Angelo Russell’s player option for the 2024-25 season being one of the most significant. If Russell picks up his $18.7 million option, the Lakers gain an expiring contract that can serve as a trade asset. If he declines, they’ll face a roster gap without the cap space to fill it. While Russell could still re-sign, it would likely be costly for a player who has shown postseason flaws.

Should he opt out, Russell might walk in free agency, leaving the Lakers with a significant hole and no cap room to address it. Few teams have cap space, but the Orlando Magic could be a contender. They might not pay him $18.7 million per season but could offer a multi-year deal, such as two years for $30 million. This guarantees Russell more total money but at a lower annual rate.