The Los Angeles Lakers are competing for the NBA title this season and are looking for any way to become the favorite in the Western Conference. Starting point guard D’Angelo Russell is only 27 years old and averaging 15.3 points and 6.2 assists per game this season, but he has been dangled in trade rumors all year.
The Lakers want to win it all this season as LeBron James is nearly 39 years old, and using D’Angelo Russell as trade bait along with other players and the valuable 2029 first-round pick will net a third star player to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Here are the five best trades for the Lakers involving D’Angelo Russell right now.
Trade Scenario No. 1 With Chicago Bulls
The most attractive trade situation for the Lakers right now is to go after their biggest target: DeMar DeRozan.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
In a potential trade scenario with the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers would be strategically aiming for their coveted target, DeMar DeRozan. The allure of acquiring a seasoned scorer like DeRozan could significantly bolster the Lakers’ offensive firepower. DeRozan’s adept mid-range game and ability to create his own shot would seamlessly complement the Lakers’ roster, especially when paired with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The six-time All-Star is averaging 22.4 points and 5.4 assists per game on 45.1% from the field this season.
DeRozan’s scoring versatility, particularly his proficiency in mid-range and isolation situations, aligns seamlessly with LeBron James’s playmaking finesse and Anthony Davis’s inside-out scoring capabilities. His ability to stretch the floor enough (35.7% 3-PT FG this season) and create efficient scoring opportunities not only alleviates offensive pressure from James and Davis but also adds a dynamic element to the Lakers’ attack. DeRozan’s proven track record of being a clutch performer further solidifies the Lakers’ late-game options.
Russell, with his playmaking abilities and improved scoring, has become a valuable asset. However, the Lakers may see DeRozan’s proven veteran presence as a more immediate and impactful contributor to their championship aspirations. The inclusion of a future first-round pick sweetens the deal for the Bulls, adding a potential building block for their future.
Trade Scenario No. 2 With Chicago Bulls
A backup trade situation for the Lakers might also be beneficial to them because it nets them a 28-year-old All-Star.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
In this alternative trade scenario with the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers set their sights on acquiring the dynamic 28-year-old All-Star, Zach LaVine. The move positions the Lakers to bolster their backcourt with LaVine’s explosive scoring and perimeter shooting, providing an additional scoring threat alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine’s athleticism and ability to create his own shot bring a valuable dimension to the Lakers’ offense, enhancing their versatility.
LaVine’s athleticism and versatility bring an added dimension to the Lakers’ backcourt, creating a more dynamic and unpredictable offensive attack. He is averaging 21.0 points and 3.4 assists per game on 33.6% from three this season so the spacing provided by LaVine’s shooting also opens up the floor, allowing James and Davis more room to operate. Moreover, LaVine’s scoring ability in transition aligns with the Lakers’ fast-paced style of play as he becomes the go-to perimeter scorer.
While parting ways with D’Angelo Russell, promising guard Gabe Vincent, and a 2029 first-round pick involves relinquishing young talent and future assets, the potential addition of LaVine offers the Lakers a proven and immediate impact player. This trade underscores the Lakers’ commitment to fortifying their roster with established talent as they navigate the competitive landscape in pursuit of sustained success.
Trade Scenario No. 3 With Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors might be rebuilding so the Lakers can find a way to form a twin-towers pairing with Anthony Davis which could dominate the West.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
In this intriguing trade scenario with the Toronto Raptors, the Lakers can aim to capitalize on a potential rebuilding phase for the Raptors and establish a formidable twin-towers pairing with the acquisition of Pascal Siakam who is averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The addition of Siakam to the Lakers’ roster offers a tantalizing prospect of pairing him with Anthony Davis, forming a frontcourt duo that could dominate the Western Conference.
Siakam’s defensive prowess, versatility, and ability to stretch the floor make him an ideal complement to Davis. This twin-towers pairing not only fortifies the Lakers defensively but also provides a dynamic offensive combination in a modern twin-towers pairing. Offensively, Siakam’s capability to stretch the floor and attack from various spots, combined with Davis’s scoring versatility, creates a dynamic and unpredictable offensive tandem.
This modern twin towers pairing addresses the evolving demands of the NBA, where frontcourt players are expected to contribute on both ends of the floor. With Siakam’s athleticism and Davis’s skill set, the Lakers could boast a frontcourt duo capable of disrupting opponents defensively while providing a diverse scoring threat, presenting a compelling case for their potential dominance in the Western Conference.
Trade Scenario No. 4 With Portland Trail Blazers
Jerami Grant has been in trade rumors all season long because he is a veteran on a rebuilding team, and he fits into the Purple and Gold system.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
In this fourth trade scenario with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers target the versatile forward Jerami Grant, a player whose name has been circulating in trade rumors amidst a rebuilding phase for the Blazers. Grant’s fit within the Purple and Gold system is underscored by his defensive tenacity, athleticism, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Grant is averaging 22.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game for a Portland Trail Blazers team that is devoid of any real star power right now. Jerami Grant’s integration into the Lakers’ lineup alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves could redefine their team dynamics. Grant’s versatility shines through as a spot-up shooter (41.2% 3-PT FG this season), bringing a reliable perimeter threat that complements the playmaking prowess of LeBron James.
Defensively, Grant’s tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions enhance the Lakers’ defensive rotations and rim protection, forming a formidable barrier alongside Anthony Davis. Moreover, Grant’s athleticism and speed make him a valuable asset in fast-break scenarios, aligning seamlessly with the Lakers’ transition-heavy offense.
Trade Scenario No. 5 With Charlotte Hornets
The final trade available for the Lakers involves going after a new starting point guard who competes on defense and might be a better scorer than Russell as well.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent
In this last trade scenario with the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers target a new starting point guard in Terry Rozier, a player known for his defensive tenacity and scoring ability. Rozier’s arrival could bring a fresh dynamic to the Lakers’ backcourt, offering a combination of defensive grit and scoring proficiency. Rozier is having the best season of his career by averaging 23.2 points and 7.1 assists per game on 35.8% shooting from three.
His skills on both ends of the floor make him a compelling option to lead the Lakers’ offense and contribute to their defensive schemes. As a spot-up shooter, Rozier’s ability to stretch the floor provides valuable spacing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, creating additional scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Rozier’s tenacity and quickness make him a reliable perimeter defender, addressing a crucial need for the Lakers. His defensive prowess, coupled with his scoring ability, positions Rozier as a tough and reliable backcourt partner, capable of complementing the offensive firepower of James and Davis while also becoming a fan-favorite in the city of L.A.
