While the Lakers still have a number of decisions to make this offseason, one of the biggest decisions that will impact their free agency decisions will be that of D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers have no say in Russell's decision, as he has a player option for the 2024-25 season.

If he accepts the deal, the Lakers will have an expiring contract that can be used as a trade asset. If he rejects it, the Lakers will have a hole on their roster and no cap space to fill it. Russell could still return, but it will likely cost them a lot of money for a player who has shown his weaknesses in two consecutive postseasons.

The alternative is no better, as the Lakers could watch him leave as a free agent for another team, leaving a hole that cannot be filled with salary cap space. There aren't many teams with salary cap space, but one of the few, the Orlando Magic, could be a factor.

In his latest episode of the No Cap Room podcast, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that the Magic have Russell on their radar, perhaps just at a lower price than his current contract.

“I haven't spoken to anyone in Orlando. I publicly admit that D'Angelo Russell is on their radar, but I can guarantee you he's not on the Orlando Magic's radar for any more money than what he might be on the books for in LA.”

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about free agency. Russell's player option for 2024-25 is $18.7 million, and the Magic certainly won't pay him that much per season.

However, the Magic could offer him more money over multiple seasons, which would be more attractive to Russell. Would he accept a two-year, $30 million deal? Such an offer would guarantee him more money, but at a lower average annual value.

It will be a very interesting decision for Russell and the Lakers. Is he even interested in making the trade again and going through the transfer circus again? That seems unlikely, but nothing seems impossible.

The Lakers' offseason is largely a big question mark, and Russell is at the center of it. His decision could, in many ways, drastically change the team's approach to roster construction.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.