The Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2023-24 season with the same core that took the team to the Western Conference Finals last season. While the team looks the same right now, Los Angeles has left itself the ability to make moves during the season.
It worked well for the Lakers last season with the Russell Westbrook trade. This season, the Lakers have all but confirmed that D’Angelo Russell will be moved at some point. If Russell is traded, the Lake Show is going to need someone to replace him.
Gabe Vincent would be in line to take the starting role (if he isn’t the starter already) so the Lakers don’t necessarily need a point guard in return. However, there are still some great point guard options, as well as other backcourt options to consider.
5 players the Lakers might replace D’Angelo Russell with by the trade deadline:
Trae Young
Trae Young is someone who has been tied to the Lakers before and continues to be tied to the team even now. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that Young is still a trade target on the Lakers’ radar. If things go sideways down in Atlanta, the Lakers might be able to swoop in and make a big trade.
While Young is a big name, he has noticeable holes in his game and there isn’t going to be a bidding war for his services. A package of Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft picks would be enough to make Atlanta consider the trade.
Is it the best move for the Lakers’ long-term success? Maybe not. But that might just be the all-in type of move that the front office is looking for if it wants to move on from Russell.