Predicting where each Lakers free agent will sign this offseason
By Dalton Sell
D’Angelo Russell – Phoenix Suns
The Lakers don’t appear too eager to keep D’Angelo Russell this offseason after he had his share of struggles in the NBA Playoffs. Per Yahoo Sports’ NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers are said to be exploring sign-and-trade possibilities for Russell, and one particular team he floated was the Phoenix Suns.
Fischer cited Russell’s close friendship with Booker and the fact that the Suns had talked about trading for Russell with the Minnesota Timberwolves before he was sent to LA.
It’s clear that the Suns are looking for a new floor general. They’ve been linked to a handful of big names at that point guard position this offseason, and Russell fits the mold. With Phoenix trying to get younger at the position, the 27-year-old Russell would give them their new point guard for years to come. He’d be a perfect fit next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant while giving them an added scoring and facilitating boost.
It’s unclear what kind of financial compensation Russell may want in free agency this offseason, but Fischer proposed the idea of a sign and trade between LA and Phoenix involving Chris Paul. With Paul aging, the Suns may jump at that opportunity if it is presented. It wouldn’t hurt for the Suns to try and keep Booker happy by bringing in one of his good friends, either.