5 players the Lakers might replace D’Angelo Russell with by the trade deadline
By Jason Reed
The Lakers could replace D’Angelo Russell with Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones has been one of the best backup point guards in the entire league in recent years. That is why it made little sense that the Memphis Grizzlies would move on from Jones heading into a season in which Ja Morant is going to miss time with an injury.
Granted, the Grizzlies did bring in Marcus Smart, who fits culturally with what the team is trying to do in Memphis. As good as Smart is, there definitely will be a point when the Grizzlies regret moving Jones and wonder if they could have done the deal without moving him.
Jones is now on the Washington Wizards and is playing on an expiring contract. Washington has a significantly better chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick than making the playoffs and by the time the deadline rolls around the team will be in full tank mode.
At only $14 million, the Lakers have the means to easily bring in Jones, whether Russell gets sent to Washington or gets looped around to a third team. Los Angeles would have to send some sort of tantalizing draft capital or would have to package a young player like Jalen Hood-Schifino or Max Christie to entice the Wizards.