3 free agent point guard targets for Rockets not named James Harden

3. D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell is the least likely name on this list for the Rockets, as the Los Angeles Lakers didn't acquire him just to let him walk in free agency. And they'd especially be foolish to let him walk after making a deep postseason run with him.

But the Lakers have long been linked to Kyrie Irving, who is a clear upgrade over Russell, and LeBron James was the biggest proponent of a Kyrie to LAL trade. We all saw the ESPN interview he did with Michael Wilbon after Irving had been dealt to the Dallas Mavericks.

Did LeBron's interest in Irving go away? Surely not. Again, for as great as Russell has played for the Lake Show, Irving is just a better player.

Should the Lakers sign Irving this summer, Russell will be available for the Rockets, and he'd likely not command a max deal also. And although it feels like Russell has been around for decades, he's only 27-years-old.

Adding Russell, who made over 41 percent of his triples in LA, would be a major boost to a Rockets team that ranked last in 3-point shooting. Russell is also not seeking to be the star of a team, as he understands his role, which is exactly what the Rockets need.

Russell seeks to find open teammates and can also be utilized off the ball in catch-and-shoot situations. He also averaged 17 points on 61 percent true shooting over the last 17 games of the 2022-23 season.

All in all, the Rockets could do much worse than D'Angelo Russell if they lose out on Harden.