Los Angeles Lakers land Anthony Davis, so what’s next?

1. D’Angelo Russell

As crazy as a D’Angelo Russell return to the Lakers might appear, there are a few reasons why it won’t be entirely impossible.

First, Magic Johnson was the one who denounced D’Angelo Russell as a leader and he’s no longer with the organization. Next, Lonzo Ball, who was considered the Lakers point guard of the future (also by Magic Johnson), is no longer with the team either. Lastly, most Lakers fans and some organization members were upset when Magic pioneered a Russell to Brooklyn trade and would be happy to have the first time All-Star back in a purple and gold uniform.

I mentioned guys like Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker being viable options for the Lakers to sign this summer. That doesn’t include another star guard who might be on the Lakers’ radar in Jimmy Butler. The more unique and most strategic approach for the Lakers, however, would be to go after D’Angelo Russell.

Doing so would ease the minds of all the Lakers’ fans who are worried that the AD trade “killed the Lakers future.” Unlike Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker who are both 29 years old and Kyrie Irving who’s 27, D’Angelo Russel is just 23 and not much worse than all three of the proven All-Stars just mentioned.

In addition, Irving has knee issues. Jimmy Butler is relatively injury prone, but none of which are too serious. Lastly, Kemba Walker is super healthy. Both Walker and Butler are 29 though, which means they’ll each be 32 at the end of LeBron James’ contract.

Russell led the Brooklyn Nets to their first playoff appearance in four seasons, averaging roughly 21 points and seven assists per game. He made the All-Star team and hasn’t had significant injury concerns during his young career.

D’Angelo Russell would be a great guard next to James and Davis because he’s good enough to help them compete for a championship now, young enough to re-create a promising Lakers young core, and a good structural fit because of his ability to shoot.

Now, it sounds like Russell would consider a move back to the purple and gold with Johnson gone and the Lakers should be wishing for second chance.