NBA TradeNews

Lakers’ Current Trade Plan For D’Angelo Russell

Lakers’ Current Trade Plan For D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell has been the Los Angeles Lakers player most frequently linked to a possible move ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.

This week alone five teams were mentioned as possible suitors for him if L.A. decides to go in a different direction.

That being said, over the past few games, Russell has dramatically improved his play on both sides of the ball. As a result, many are now wondering whether the team will simply opt to keep him.

On Saturday, some clarity on the matter emerged.

“Yes, at least as far as the Lakers are concerned,” Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported.

“Russell’s recent play has certainly made their decision harder. He’s leading the team in points (27.4) and is second in assists (6.6) since re-entering the starting lineup on Jan. 13. This is not only his best stretch of the season but undoubtedly the best stretch of either of his Lakers tenures and one of the best of his career.”

While Russell’s stellar play over the last few games can’t be denied, neither can the rest of his career up to that point. He is a solid player – there is no denying that. But he isn’t a true third option on a championship-contending team.

That is what the Lakers need right now. And unless the front office changes its stance on Austin Reaves, Russell remains the only valuable trade asset they have.

In recent days Los Angeles has been linked to a 3-team Dejounte Murray trade, an Alex Caruso trade with the Chicago Bulls and a Donovan Mitchell trade with the Clevland Cavaliers.

To make the vast majority of those moves, Russell would have to be included.

Will the Lakers get rid of Russell ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline? One way or another an answer will emerge over the next few weeks.

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Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
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