D'Angelo Russell is linked to the Orlando Magic just before free agency

D'Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers has had a very wild year, with many ups and downs and a lot of questions about his future. And now just months before free agency, the questions continue.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently reported that Russell could be moving to the Orlando Magic in the upcoming months. Although no deal has been truly discussed, apparently they are a team to keep an eye on.

"Orlando's the team," Buha said. "Orlando is the team that—talking to people with the Lakers, talking to people outside the Lakers—Orlando is the team that probably gives them the most concern in terms of a potential suitor."

Russell has had a mostly great season. After a rough start at the beginning, he started an exciting new chapter in January and has averaged 18.1 points and 6.4 assists per game this season. He also has a player option for the 2024-25 season at $18.7 million. But he can decline it and enter free agency, although it's not clear if that's the path he will pursue.

If he were to leave the Lakers, he would also create a huge void for the team's backcourt. The Lakers have lacked a reliable point guard for a few seasons now and Russell has stepped up and played that part this year.

With that being said, he would be smart to join the Magic if he doesn't stick with the Lakers. The team is on the rise and filled with several amazing young players. He would be a veteran among the roster and could find longterm success with them.

The Magic have a lot of cap space and plenty of money to spend so they could offer Russell a very tantalizing deal if he decides that his days in Los Angeles have come to an end.