Yes, I am aware that this piece discusses a November transaction involving D’Angelo Russell before we even start. If they signed as free agents this summer, a sizable portion of the league cannot even be transferred until December 15.
However, it appears that the Lakers will face another season of D’Lo trade rumors in light of JJ Redick’s remarks regarding Russell after the team’s defeat by the Grizzlies.
So, here we are once more.
This season is different from last since Russell’s contract is expiring, which should increase his worth. It is more difficult to reach an agreement, nevertheless, because of the more stringent CBA with the first and second aprons.
Brook Lopez, for instance, was allegedly a summertime target for the Lakers. The Bucks are unable to combine players in a deal, and since Milwaukee is a second-apron team, trades must be a one-for-one match, which is nearly impossible.
They’re pretty much screwed. Furthermore, neither the Lakers nor any other team can use it without incurring further costs. Additionally, the Lakers are unable to accomplish it since they are directly competing with the second apron.
Have you get all that? If not, follow the herd. Let’s start trading if that’s the case.
The Brooklyn Nets
Get the Lakers: Dorian Finney-Smith
Jalen Hood-Schifino, D’Angelo Russell, and a 2029 first-round selection are acquired by the Nets.
Is it possible that the Lakers might trade D’Angelo Russell to the Nets? And in a contract that increases their cap space?
Finney, DorianFor the past two seasons, Smith has been a player the Lakers have been linked to. Will they finally pull the trigger this season?
According to reports, the Nets were among the teams interested in JHS. Russell’s addition is primarily a salary ballast.
With DFS holding a player option for the 2025–2026 season, it also clears up their salary cap future as a rebuilding team. Even then, this deal saves the Lakers nearly $7 million on this year’s payroll, giving them the cushion to waive and sign players to restructure their roster further.
The Utah Jazz
The Lakers acquire Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson.
D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 first-round selection, and 2031 first-round pick are acquired by the Jazz.
Walker Kessler is another name associated with the Lakers that many in the league are considering. The Jazz’s asking price has been the main obstacle to most trade negotiations.
It takes a lot of equity to give up two first-round selections. For the Lakers, it would signify the final significant move of the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era.
But it would also be a move for the future. Kessler is just 23 years old and, on paper, is a great fit alongside AD moving forward.
Getting Clarkson back would help the Lakers’ bench-scoring woes. Granted, if the team is trading it’s starting point guard, they probably should be looking for one in return, but Clarkson is one of the best sixth men in the NBA and the Lakers have no bench.
Portland Trail Blazers
Lakers get: Jerami Grant, Duop Reath
Trail Blazers get: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Maxwell Lewis, 2029 first round pick
Of all the players linked to the Lakers in recent seasons, Jerami Grant has felt like the one who comes up most often. His links to the Lakers date back to his time with the Nuggets and through his time in Detroit but has been loudest now that he’s on the Blazers.
One of my holdups in a Grant trade has been that I don’t think he’s a better player than Rui Hachimura. Is there a way to trade for him while keeping Rui? Unlikely, but that’s the route I aim for first.
The second hold up has been the asking price for Portland. Grant is not worth multiple first round picks and I’m not sure I’d comfortably give up one first round pick unless it’s in the right deal.
If you can keep Rui, I think you can part with a first rounder.
Getting one of the centers back from the Blazers would be imperative, too. While Robert Williams III is a name lots of fans like, his huge contract makes it hard to find a trade.
This feels the least likeliest of the three trades, though.