Is the door open for the Lakers to be players in free agency?

The team learned Friday night guard D'Angelo Russell and reserve center Jaxson Hayes both planned to exercise their player options to return, with Russell set to make $18.7 million in the final year of his deal.

On Saturday, the Lakers were informed forward Cam Reddish would also exercise his player option for next season, worth $2.46 million. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 48 games, 26 as a starter. A right ankle injury cost him 22 games late in the season.

If the Lakers were looking to find a home for Russell as a salary dump, they could look to Dallas' recent Tim Hardaway Jr. trade, where the Mavericks attached three second-round picks to send him and his $16-million expiring contract to Detroit.

Still, Russell set the Lakers' franchise record for made three-pointers last season and has expressed optimism about how new coach JJ Redick could optimize the Lakers' offense.

Russell averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists on 45.6% shooting from the field and 41.5% from three-point range. It's the second straight season he has shot better than 40% from three.

Redick spoke openly about his desire for the Lakers to take more three-point shots after finishing 28th in three-point attempts last season.

Those decisions, plus the eventual signings of draft picks Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, would leave the Lakers with 14 of their 15 roster spots already filled once LeBron James re-signs with the team. The team also extended a qualifying offer to 21-year-old Max Christie, making him a restricted free agent. The Lakers will have the right to match any offer Christie signs with another team.

Last week when the Lakers announced Redick as their new coach, Christie was mentioned as one of the young players the team is committed to developing.

The team could also become players in free agency should they clear roster room by trading multiple players.

Free agency officially begins Sunday at 3 p.m. PDT.

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