In an exciting game, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated their hometown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. The outcome was up in the air until the very last second as the two sides fought it out to the absolute end. But a crucial Lakers player committed a horrifying mistake that may have cost him $25,000 after the game.
It’s interesting to note that Zach LaVine, the guard for the Chicago Bulls, was included in the fictitious blockbuster trade scenario that included this exact player.
The Los Angeles Lakers, headed by four-time MVP LeBron James, defeated the powerful Clippers in the closing minutes with some gritted basketball. The Lakers’ frontcourt had a fantastic performance, but they needed support from the bench to shut out the Clippers. Herein lies the role of D’Angelo Russell. The 27-year-old has now ruined a great day for himself by declining to talk to the media.
Winning Wasn’t Enough: Lakers Star Risks Hefty Fine Amid Trade Whispers and Clippers Showdown
After suffering a bruise to his tailbone, D’Angelo Russell made a fantastic recovery, scoring 13 points for the Lakers off the bench. Even though he had a difficult season overall and was included in trade negotiations for Zach LaVine, he excelled when it counted most.
In addition, he made numerous crucial 3-pointers that improved his team’s chances of winning. But the former All-Star chose not to speak to the media following the game, putting himself at risk of a hefty $25,000 fine.
A number of players have previously been caught off guard by this hefty fine while attempting to avoid the press. Even Julius Randle, Jimmy Butler, Dillon Brooks, and Kyrie Irving were not immune to the NBA’s wrath. But considering that this is D’Angelo Russell’s first infraction of the league’s regulations on media interview access, he might have just run the risk of receiving a warning from the NBA.
The trade rumor’s that surround Russell are not helping his mental health, even though it’s unclear what exactly is causing him to be frustrated. Zach LaVine has been the most frequently mentioned player in trade rumors in the association since the Chicago Bulls’ problems became apparent at the start of the season. The Lakers turned out to be one of the presumptive favorite’s. Russell turned out to be one of the essential components in this transaction, along with Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent. Will the Lakers really go for the Bulls guard, though?
D’Angelo Russell is currently involved in the circulating trade rumours that bring Zach LaVine to Los Angeles, despite having a significant part in the Lakers’ comeback from a dismal 2-10 start in the previous season. His recent struggles—averaging only 14.8 points per game—haven’t improved his situation. Will Russell’s second trip in Los Angeles for LaVine be ended by the Lakers?
Teams are reportedly reluctant to take on Zach LaVine’s remaining $180 million contract because he has “lost interest” in the trade market. Having a big salary on the Lakers payroll is not ideal, especially considering their current luxury tax predicament. But historically, the Los Angeles team has never shied away from using their cap room to acquire superstars.
LaVine slots in like a piece of jigsaw, and the Lakers are in dire need of guards who can increase their scoring from beyond the arc. But the Bulls’ request is extremely unreasonable.