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Ex-Lakers Star Viewed as Kyrie Irving Replacement in Dallas

   

With Kyrie Irving expected to miss the first half of the 2025-26 season with an ACL injury, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly eyeing former Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell as a temporary replacement.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavs have their sights set on four separate point guards to pick up the slack for Irving until his expected January return. The report came shortly after Irving declined his $43 million player option and inked a new three-year, $119 million extension to stay in Dallas.

“The Mavs are expected to open up the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception by signing Irving to this deal, sources said,” Charania wrote.

“Potential targets for that salary slot would have included Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon, sources said.”

Russell Can Be A Solid Backup

During his multiple stints with the Lakers, Russell struggled as a starting point guard — especially on the defensive end. However, he showed the ability to be a solid backup floor general to the likes of LeBron James and Austin Reaves, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t thrive in a similar role in Dallas.

Shortly after he was traded to the Nets, Russell reflected on his tumultuous second run with the Lakers, but took accountability for things going south.

 

“It’s great,” Russell told HoopsHype of being traded back to Brooklyn.

“I would never take it for granted, coming from where I came from. Obviously, I was a little traumatized there. To be here and get the opportunity to just be me where there’s familiarity as well is just icing on the cake. I’m at the point in my career where I’m not going out and scoring 25 points every night and wowing with numbers.

“It’s a point where I’m trying to gravitate towards doing it the right way, and how I can contribute to winning is my priority. He (Coach Fernandez) lets me do that. He trusts me already, so I can imagine getting to training camp for something like that and having that under my belt with the guys. I think the sky’s the limit.”

Kyrie Irving Expected Back in January

Russell, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to be available for either the veteran minimum or the MLE ($5.7 million), per multiple insiders.

The Mavericks will potentially need Russell to operate as the starting point guard until Irving’s return. The Duke alum is expected to rejoin the team by January, per ESPN.

Dallas is expected to be a serious title contender following Irving’s return. At full strength, the Mavericks are expected to start Irving, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg (No. 1 overall pick), Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, with the likes of PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall and Max Christie off the bench.

Many believe the Mavericks have one of the deepest and talented rosters in the league, and could pose a serious threat to the Thunder and Rockets — the odds-on favorites to win the West and the NBA championship in 2026. The Mavericks missed the playoffs last season following Irving’s injury.

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