Lakers Rumors: D’Angelo Russell is available in exchange for top-12 pick

Recent Lakers rumors are that the front office is exploring all their options ahead of the NBA draft which is just three days away, and now may be looking to trade D’Angelo Russell for another top-12 pick.

Recent Lakers Rumors are that they are reportedly trying to get another lottery pick in this year’s draft and most recently are rumored to be willing to part ways with D’Angelo Russell to get it. ESPN’s Chad Ford took to Twitter to break the news.

Russell is somewhat of a polarizing player. Some question his maturity level and don’t believe he has what it takes to be a star, therefore expendable, while others think he’s too talented to trade and hasn’t had enough time to realize his potential.

The truth is somewhere in the middle. Russell hasn’t fully matured and hasn’t had enough time to reach his full potential in the NBA, but also hasn’t shown enough to make him untouchable. L.A.’s front office has a job to do and that’s to return the Lakers to respectability.

With Paul George making it clear he’s heading to L.A. in 2018, Magic Johnson and Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka are likely thinking about moves that will put them in a position to have a good young team around him. The recent upheaval with the Cleveland  Cavaliers that might send LeBron James packing in 2018 may also be influencing L.A. to make moves as James has already been linked to the Lakers in rumors.

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Mark Medina of The Orange County Register reports that L.A. is looking to trade up because of interest in Gonzaga’s Zach Collins. Collins is a 7-foot shooter with range from three. A skill set like his would not just be welcomed by the Lakers but is one that’s almost essential in today’s NBA. Here’s what Medina had to say. 

"The Lakers have downplayed the possibility they would trade the No. 2 pick, but that didn’t stop them from working out Gonzaga forward Zach Collins on Monday. Collins is a projected top-10 pick, but he doesn’t figure to be in play for the Lakers unless they trade down in the draft."

Although Medina reports the Lakers would trade down, the latest rumors suggest they intend to keep their second pick and trade Russell for another high selection. L.A. has said on more than one occasion that Brandon Ingram is the only untouchable player on the team, and if they strike a deal for Russell they’ll prove it.