NBA Rumors: Ranking and predicting where the top 35 NBA free agents will sign

14. D’Angelo Russell (unrestricted)

In a perfect world, a big splash move would arise for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, we don’t live in a perfect world and I find it hard to believe that the Lakers will be able to make a huge move in free agency.

That said, they do have to make a decision on D’Angelo Russell. He had some really bright moments during his time with the Lakers this past season but was ultimately benched in the Western Conference Finals (likely too late) against the Denver Nuggets. And, fair or not, that’s what fans will remember most about this past season when it comes to Russell.

Even if the Lakers don’t view Russell as the long-term answer at the point guard position, they can’t just let him walk. Heading into free agency, it’s pretty clear that this specific decision will come down to either the Lakers re-signing Russell to a shorter deal or the Lakers working out a sign and trade to a team of his liking. In a vacuum, Russell is not a terrible contributor to have on the roster.

He may not be in a place where he can be a team’s first or second-best player but he is still a really good offensive player at the position.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers