D’Angelo Russell has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for kicking the ball into the stands during the Lakers’ thrilling 145-144 double-overtime win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
The fine is unlikely to bankrupt Russell, considering it makes up less than 0.1 percent of the 17.3 million he’ll be paid across the season.
And while his kicking of the ball was frowned upon by the NBA, Russell’s excitement was understandable with the Lakers winning what many have described as the best game of the season so far.
He also played a central role in the win, putting up 28 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
D’ANGELO RUSSELL’S HOT STRETCH & TRADE RUMORS
While D’Angelo Russell has been the subject of relentless trade rumors lately – especially ones involving him going to Atlanta in exchange for Dejounte Murray – his excellent run of form could be making the Lakers reluctant to move him, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“League sources say that there has been little-to-no trade dialogue in recent days between the Hawks and the Lakers when it comes to former All-Star Dejounte Murray,” Stein wrote this week.
“Trade talks tend to be fluid this time of year and can be easily sparked up again, but one source briefed on the talks termed the idea of Murray landing with the Lakers before the deadline, as of this Sunday, as “unrealistic.” Among the factors for that: D’Angelo Russell’s strong play this month.”
Over his last eight games, Russell is averaging 27.5 points and 6.4 assists on 52.3 percent shooting from the field and and 54.2 percent from three.
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