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 Cole Anthony
In many ways, Cole Anthony is a similar player to D’Angelo Russell and is younger. The best parts about Anthony’s game line up with the best parts of Russell’s game. Both are naturally talented and when they get cooking on the court they can make it look easy.
However, both players probably think they are a tad better than they are and think they should be carrying the team. As a result, both players may not fit well into being a role player and the holes in their game certainly are similar.
That being said, Anthony is not as bad of a defender as Russell, so the Lakers would certainly see an improvement there. At the very least, Anthony is a much cheaper version of Russell, which could open the door for the Lakers to experiment with the roster.
In this situation, the Lakers could theoretically trade Russell in a different package that does not get a direct replacement in return. Then, the Lakers could make a deal on the side to trade a throwaway contract and a second-round pick or two to the Magic for Anthony.
Anthony is on an expiring contract and is a restricted free agent after the season. He doesn’t appear to be part of the Magic’s long-term plans, especially after they just drafted Anthony Black in the lottery.
Bleacher Report named Anthony as a potential trade target for the Lakers this season and for good reason. Bringing him to LA makes a lot of sense, especially if he has to replace Russell.