Starting point guard D’Angelo Russell has accepted his $18.7 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024-25 NBA season but that doesn’t mean he is untouchable. Despite having a strong regular season campaign by averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game on 41.5% from three, his numbers dipped in the postseason to 14.2 points and 4.8 assists per game on 31.8% from deep.
Russell is certainly a good player but the Lakers might need something different to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, meaning there are five realistic trade scenarios the team can consider this summer.
A Reunion With Kyle Kuzma
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Kuzma ($23,522,727)
Washington Wizards Receive: D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286)
A reunion with Kyle Kuzma offers the Los Angeles Lakers a versatile forward who has already proven his compatibility with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. During his previous stint with the Lakers, Kuzma averaged 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over four seasons, showing his ability to score and rebound efficiently.
Kuzma’s offensive versatility would complement LeBron and Davis well. As an improved player and fringe All-Star since leaving the franchise in the 2020-21 season, Kuzma can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, as he shot 33.6% from deep in the 2023-24 season, and create his own shot off the dribble. Defensively, Kuzma has developed into a reliable player, capable of guarding multiple positions, which would alleviate some of the defensive burdens on James and Davis. His rebounding ability, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game last season, would also help the Lakers control the boards.
In addition to on-court fit, Kuzma’s return would likely energize the Lakers’ fan base. His connection to the team and the city of Los Angeles adds an emotional element that could boost team morale. At 28 years old, Kuzma is also right in his prime.
A New Big Three With DeMar DeRozan
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan (sign-and-trade), deal worth up to $28 million per year
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286)
Acquiring DeMar DeRozan would create a formidable new Big Three in Los Angeles. DeRozan, known for his mid-range scoring and playmaking, averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game with the Bulls in the 2023-24 season. His ability to score efficiently and facilitate offense would add another dimension to the Lakers’ offense, particularly in clutch situations where his experience and poise are invaluable.
DeRozan’s fit with LeBron and Davis is promising. His mid-range prowess and slashing ability would create spacing and scoring opportunities, while his playmaking skills would ease the ball-handling duties for James. Additionally, DeRozan’s presence would allow Davis to operate more freely in the paint, as defenses would need to respect DeRozan’s scoring threat.
Moreover, DeRozan’s leadership and veteran presence would be beneficial in the Lakers’ locker room. His experience in high-pressure situations and ability to mentor younger players such as Austin Reaves could foster a winning culture. Although his three-point shooting is not a strong suit, DeRozan’s overall offensive impact and ability to draw fouls (averaging 7.7 free throw attempts per game last season) would significantly enhance the Lakers’ offensive efficiency.
Going In For Jerami Grant
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant ($29,793,104)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286), Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3,879,830)
Jerami Grant would bring a combination of scoring, defense, and versatility to the Lakers. In the 2023-24 season, Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. His length and athleticism make him a valuable defender capable of guarding multiple positions, which would bolster the Lakers’ defensive schemes and provide added protection alongside Davis.
Grant’s offensive game, highlighted by his 40.2% three-point shooting last season, complements LeBron and Davis well. He can space the floor, attack the rim, and create his own shot, making him a versatile offensive weapon. His ability to play both forward positions allows the Lakers to experiment with various lineups, maintaining flexibility and adaptability in different matchups.
Collin Sexton And Walker Kessler Become New Starters
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Collin Sexton ($18,350,000), Walker Kessler ($2,965,920)
Utah Jazz Receive: D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286), Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3,879,830)
Bringing in Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler would address multiple needs for the Lakers. Sexton, a dynamic scorer, averaged 18.7 points and 4.9 assists per game last season. His ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense. Meanwhile, Kessler, a promising 22-year-old center, averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, providing a strong defensive presence and rebounding ability.
Sexton’s scoring mentality and aggressive playstyle would complement LeBron’s playmaking and Davis’s inside presence. His ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls (4.7 free throw attempts per game) would create additional scoring opportunities for the Lakers. Kessler’s shot-blocking and rebounding would fortify the Lakers’ interior defense, giving Davis the freedom to play more on the perimeter defensively, where his versatility can be maximized.
This trade scenario also adds youth and potential to the Lakers’ roster. Sexton and Kessler are both under 26, aligning with the Lakers’ need to build for the future while remaining competitive in the present. It also helps that Sexton shot 39.4% from deep and that would help fix the Lakers’ 24th-ranked shooting.
Two Birds With One Stone Featuring Cam Johnson And Dorian Finney-Smith
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Cam Johnson ($23,625,000), Dorian Finney-Smith ($14,924,167)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286), Gabe Vincent ($11,000,000)
Acquiring Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith would significantly enhance the Lakers’ perimeter play and defensive capabilities. Johnson, a sharpshooter, averaged 13.4 points per game on 39.1% shooting from three last season, providing elite floor spacing. Finney-Smith, a versatile defender, averaged 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and hit timely three-pointers.
Johnson’s shooting would be a perfect fit alongside LeBron and Davis, as his ability to space the floor would create more driving lanes and post-up opportunities for the stars. His catch-and-shoot prowess would benefit from LeBron’s playmaking, making him a lethal option from beyond the arc. Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility would bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defense, allowing them to match up more effectively against various opponents and relieve some of the defensive burden from Davis.
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