Former Ohio State star and NBA standout D’Angelo Russell is once again at the center of offseason speculation, with multiple league insiders predicting that the talented guard will change teams in NBA free agency. Once a top pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Russell’s career has taken him from Los Angeles to Brooklyn, to Golden State, to Minnesota, and back to the Lakers. Now, as his contract nears expiration and the Lakers face a pivotal summer, the buzz around the league is that Russell may be wearing a new uniform when the 2025-26 season tips off.
Russell’s talent has never been in question. A crafty left-handed scorer with elite vision and a smooth shooting stroke, he was a revelation at Ohio State, where he averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in his lone college season. That performance earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and ultimately led to him being selected second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Billed as the next great Laker guard in the mold of Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, Russell’s time in Los Angeles was rocky from the start. While he showed flashes of brilliance, including a 39-point outing against the Brooklyn Nets as a rookie, off-court drama and organizational dysfunction marred his early years.
The Lakers eventually moved on from Russell, trading him to Brooklyn in a move that was as much about clearing cap space as it was about shedding a player they no longer believed in. But in Brooklyn, Russell thrived. Freed from the pressure cooker of Los Angeles, he became an All-Star in the 2018-19 season, averaging 21.1 points and 7 assists while leading the Nets to a surprising playoff berth. That performance re-established his value around the league and led to a lucrative sign-and-trade deal that sent him to Golden State. But Russell was never a clean fit with the Warriors’ system, and he was soon dealt to Minnesota in exchange for Andrew Wiggins.
In Minnesota, Russell formed a promising backcourt tandem with Karl-Anthony Towns and later Anthony Edwards. There were moments when the Timberwolves looked like a rising force in the West, and Russell had a major role in that resurgence. But injuries, inconsistency, and the emergence of Edwards gradually lessened Russell’s role, and by 2023, he was on the move again—back to Los Angeles in a trade that included Mike Conley and several draft considerations.
Russell’s second stint with the Lakers has been emblematic of his career: productive, but not without questions. He’s had stretches where he looks like a high-end starter, capable of dropping 25 points and dishing out 8 assists on any given night. He’s had playoff moments, most notably in the 2023 playoffs, where he was a key contributor during the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals. But he’s also had games where his defensive lapses and streaky shooting have drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. In the 2024 playoffs, for example, Russell’s performance was inconsistent, leading many to question whether he could be a long-term piece for a team with championship aspirations.
Now, as he enters free agency once again, Russell faces a crossroads. At 29 years old, he’s no longer the young prospect with untapped potential—he’s a veteran guard with nearly a decade of NBA experience. His value lies in his ability to create offense, stretch the floor, and run a team as a secondary ballhandler. But where he fits in the current NBA landscape remains to be seen.
Multiple teams have reportedly expressed interest in Russell, including the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Each presents a different opportunity and set of challenges. In Orlando, Russell could provide a veteran presence alongside young stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, helping to stabilize a backcourt that has lacked consistency. The Magic are a team on the rise, and adding a player like Russell could help them take the next step into the playoff conversation.
San Antonio is another intriguing option. With Victor Wembanyama looking like a generational talent, the Spurs are seeking experienced guards who can complement their franchise cornerstone. Russell’s pick-and-roll ability and floor spacing could be a natural fit next to Wembanyama, giving the Spurs a much-needed offensive engine while also easing the pressure on their young core. The Spurs have cap space and a clear need at the guard position, making them one of the more logical destinations should Russell and the Lakers part ways.
Chicago, meanwhile, offers a more established core with players like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic. But the Bulls have struggled with consistency and chemistry, and a shakeup may be imminent. Russell could slide into a starting role or provide a spark off the bench, depending on how the roster is restructured. He would add scoring punch and playmaking to a team that has often relied too heavily on isolation-heavy offense.
Of course, there remains a possibility that Russell could re-sign with the Lakers, especially if the team decides to run it back with its current core. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both expressed public support for Russell during the season, and his familiarity with the system and coaching staff gives him a comfort level that would be hard to replicate elsewhere. The Lakers also value continuity, and with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, keeping a player like Russell—who can step into a lead guard role when needed—might be the most prudent move.
But money and role will ultimately decide Russell’s fate. He will be seeking a multi-year contract in the $20-25 million annual range, which may be too rich for the Lakers, especially if they pursue bigger names in free agency. The emergence of young guards like Austin Reaves and Max Christie also complicates the Lakers’ calculus. If the team believes it can replace Russell’s production internally or through cheaper options, it may let him walk.
Russell’s situation is emblematic of a broader trend in the NBA—talented veterans caught in the middle ground between stardom and role-player status. He’s good enough to be a starter on most teams, but perhaps not good enough to be the best or second-best player on a contender. That middle tier of players often finds itself subject to the financial squeeze of the modern salary cap, where teams either pay top dollar for superstars or build around young, cost-controlled talent.
Despite the uncertainty, Russell remains a highly respected player among his peers. Coaches and executives praise his basketball IQ, work ethic, and willingness to adapt. He’s matured significantly from the brash teenager who made headlines for locker room controversies and social media missteps. Now a family man and seasoned pro, Russell brings a level of professionalism and leadership that will appeal to teams looking to build a winning culture.
His next move will be closely watched—not just because of his name recognition, but because he could be a key domino in what is shaping up to be a fascinating free agency period. Whether he lands with a playoff contender or a rebuilding squad, Russell still has plenty to offer. His game, predicated on skill and craft rather than raw athleticism, should age well, and his experience in big games makes him a valuable asset for any franchise hoping to make a push in the postseason.
