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Los Angeles Lakers: The case for trading D’Angelo Russell

By Ravi Krishnaswamy

Mar 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakes guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center. The Wizards won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakes guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center. The Wizards won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers fans seem to be split right down the middle when it comes to D’Angelo Russell.  What is his future with the Lakers?

One-half of Los Angeles Lakers fans will tell you D’Angelo Russell is a dynamic young guard with excellent ball handling and three-point shooting.  The other half will say he is an immature player who looks like he isn’t always giving 100%.

The Lakers boast a talented young core but it is the job of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to determine which pieces fit and which don’t.

Here are some of the possibilities of dealing Russell, as well as which variables could produce this outcome.

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November 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots a basket against the Pacific Tigers during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Ball is Life 

The main reason the Lakers may consider dealing Russell is because of his potential fit with UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball.

The Lakers are said to be extremely fond of Ball and he is heavily expected to be selected with their number two pick.  While the pairing has the potential to coexist on offense they may be a poor fit defensively.

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A backcourt of Ball and Russell could be similar to the Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.  While the Blazers tandem is dynamic on offense they get absolutely torched on the other side of the ball.

Coach Luke Walton is from the Golden State Warriors who boast a multitude of two-way players.  If the Lakers front office is so enamored with Ball they may look to deal Russell for a two-way wing player.

Philadelphia 76ers a Fit?

During the 2017 NBA draft lottery, the Philadelphia 76ers landed the third overall pick.

With Fultz and Ball expected to go one and two, the 76ers have a difficult choice to make.  They are building around their talented young core of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons while looking to surround them with guards that can shoot.

While De’Aaron Fox, Josh Jackson, and Jayson Tatum are talented prospects none of the three seems like an ideal fit for the 76ers.  However, the 76ers might entertain trading their number three pick to the Lakers for Russell.

Los Angeles Lakers: The case for trading D'Angelo Russell
Dec 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (L) and Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (R) at Wells Fargo Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philly would get the talented guard they so desperately desire and the Lakers would be able to draft a two-way wing like Jackson or Tatum at the three. Lakers fans should definitely monitor what the 76ers are doing come draft night.

No One is Safe

Magic Johnson recently said in an interview that he considers Brandon Ingram to be the only untouchable player on the roster.  That means that everyone else on the roster is up for grabs.

I am in no way advocating for the Lakers to deal their young prospects for established all-stars.  However, I am advocating for them to decide which players fit and which don’t.

With the Warriors dominating the league with their two-way versatility the Lakers need to prioritize finding players who play both ends.  Sometimes in this game, you need to take some risks to get your franchise where it needs to be.

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The Lakers front office has some tough decisions to make but I trust that Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka will make the best decision for the franchise.

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