Los Angeles Lakers fans are not too pleased with the most recent play displayed by D’Angelo Russell. As some members of the basketball community might be aware, the Lakers made a midseason trade last year and acquired D-Lo and several other players by sending Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Clippers.
At the time, it certainly seemed like a good move considering that D’Angelo was a significantly better shooter and consistent playmaker when compared to Westbrook. The Lakers managed to make it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season. As a result, they even offered Russell a 2-year contract worth $36 million.
Now, fans seem to think that the Lakers ended up making a mistake by acquiring D’Angelo and think that the Lakers should find a way to bring back Alex Caruso. Since this is certainly an interesting notion, a closer look is required.
Los Angeles Lakers fans prefer Alex Caruso over D’Angelo Russell
Although D’Angelo Russell played quite well in the playoffs for the Lakers last season, he has not lived up to expectations following Los Angeles’ WCF run. In the 24 games played this season, D-Lo has averaged 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
“Yea D-Lo needs to be traded, he’s a playoff dropper, inconsistent, gets hunted on defense. It’s bad for the postseason, get me Caruso please.”
Yea D-Lo needs to be traded, he’s a playoff dropper, inconsistent, gets hunted on defense. It’s bad for the postseason, get me Caruso please
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) December 13, 2023
While Alex Caruso is nowhere near the scorer or facilitator that D’Angelo Russell has been, one could argue that having Caruso would help the Lakers a lot more on the defensive end. However, others also claimed that Caruso would not help the Lakers a lot given their need for scoring.
In any case, D’Angelo managed to help the Lakers win the In-Season Tournament. The team is currently in a good position and has no reason to make a significant change. Fans are left wondering if D’Angelo will be able to improve his play or whether the Lakers will decide to trade him away.