Lakers Rumors: D'Angelo Russell 'Likely' to Opt Out of Contract, Hit NBA Free Agency

As the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to pull off a miracle while down 3-0 against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, D'Angelo Russell's future with the team is a looming question. On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast (starts at 39:40 mark), ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he believes it's "likely" that Russell will turn down his player option for next season to become a free agent. Russell signed a two-year, $36 million deal to remain in Los Angeles last offseason. The second year is a player option worth $18.7 million.