Lakers' guard D'Angelo Russell's midseason production increase and potential free agency challenge.

Lakers' guard D'Angelo Russell has experienced a midseason resurgence, more than doubling his production in January, averaging 22.7 points as the starting point guard. With free-agent value rising, his impending free agency may pose a challenge for the Lakers. Russell has a player option worth $18.6m for next season, which he is expected to decline, possibly earning a bigger payday.