Magic have eyes on D'Angelo Russell in free agency

Ryan Ward: D’Angelo Russell gets hit with a $25k fine by the league… pic.twitter.com/CKJO2M6289 -via Twitter @RyanWardLA / May 4, 2024

The more realistic option is Pelinka taking an aggressive approach in the trade market. The Lakers will go from having one tradable first-round pick (2029) to three (2024 or 2025, 2029 and 2031) starting the night of the draft, giving them more options if an All-Star becomes available. They can also trade swap rights in 2026, 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031. Russell cannot be traded in the offseason unless he picks up his player option or works a sign-and-trade in July. If he opted out and did not return, the Lakers would have only four larger tradable contracts (outside of James and Davis): Reaves, Vincent, Hachimura and Vanderbilt. -via ESPN / April 30, 2024

Michael Scotto: Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell on his player option: “When I signed my contract last year, I knew what position I was going to put myself in, so to be in that position now with a little leverage, I’ll try to take advantage of it.” -via Twitter @MikeAScotto / April 30, 2024