D’Angelo Russell fined $25,000 for verbal abuse of game official after series loss to Nuggets

The NBA fined Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell $25,000 on Saturday for verbally abusing a game official. His actions occurred on the court after the Lakers’ season-ending Game 5 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, the league said.

It’s unclear what exactly Russell said to the referee after Game 5, but with the Lakers’ season coming to a disappointing end, it’s understandable why he was upset and frustrated at the time. Going out on a referee is obviously not something the league will tolerate, so he will enter the offseason with a wallet that feels a little lighter than before because of this fine.

The series against the Nuggets was once again filled with ups and downs for Russell. Although he played a few good games, he didn’t bring much offensively in the other three. That includes going winless at home in Game 3 and finishing the season with 14 points and six assists, but on just 6-for-15 shooting and 2-for-10 from 3-point range in the closeout Game 5.

That’s not to undermine the regular season that Russell had, as he was exceptional for the Lakers, especially starting in mid-January when they were fighting for playoff berth.

Overall, in 76 regular season games, Russell averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field and 41.5% from 3-point range on 7.1 attempts per match.

D’Angelo Russell hopes to capitalize on the leverage heading into the offseason

Because of the season he had, Russell appears to be heading into the offseason with some leverage. He has an $18.7 million player option that he can pick up, either to return to the Lakers or be traded elsewhere, or he can decline it and test free agency after the quality season he is entering.

Now that that’s the case, Russell hopes to use that influence to make the decision he believes is best for himself and his family going forward.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t thinking about it. When I signed my contract last year I knew the position I would be putting myself in, so to get into that position now with a bit of influence, I will try to take advantage of that,” Russell said at the end of the match. season.

Even though Russell enjoyed his second stint with the Lakers, it’s possible he’ll leave again depending on how things go this summer.