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Over 93 regular-season games with the Lakers (dating back to last year’s trade deadline), Russell shot almost 41.5 percent from three-point range. He shifted naturally from an on-ball shot-creator to an off-ball shooter. He’s not a great defender, but some teams can regularly generate stops but are desperate for shooting.
Not many have real spending power this offseason, but the Orlando Magic stand out as the most obvious destination for Russell should he opt out and leave the Lakers outright. The Magic matched the Lakers at 47 wins but fell in the first round in a hard-fought series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shooting is their most significant need, and Orlando projects to have in the ballpark of $52 million in space. Russell could slot in a backcourt with Jalen Suggs, providing an immediate shooting and playmaking boost.
But do the Magic agree, or do they look at Russell’s postseason three-point shooting numbers (under 32 percent with the Lakers) and instead chase players such as Malik Monk, Klay Thompson or even Paul George?
The most recent intel suggests the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested. If Russell can’t get a viable offer from the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors or Utah Jazz, he’s wholly reliant on the Lakers for his payday. It just takes one, but multiple NBA sources question who would be willing to pay Russell if the Magic aren’t.
As for L.A., assuming LeBron James returns on a deal in the $50 million range, Russell leaving could help the Lakers bring back players like Taurean Prince, Max Christie, Spencer Dinwiddie and/or spend the $5.3 million taxpayer mid-level exception. The latter would trigger a hard cap at the $189.5 million second apron. Still, given the excessive penalties and limitations, Los Angeles is unlikely to exceed that line in almost any situation.
Or the Lakers could let all their free agents depart to use the $12.9 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, though the team would be very close to and hard-capped by the $178.7 million first apron.
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