The D'Angelo Russell alternative whose injury recovery Lakers must be tracking

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the early stages of a project that will determine how much longer D'Angelo Russell is with the organization. Head coach JJ Redick is holding Russell to the highest possible standard, with the hope of pushing him to produce a career-year in 2024-25qwfrw.

In the event that the Lakers determine that Russell isn't living up to their expectations, however, he'll be a candidate to be traded ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline.

Many have grown accustomed to this story by now, as it was one of the primary themes of the 2023-24 regular season. The difference between then and now, however, is that Russell has an expiring salary that teams are more likely to take a chance on—or simply utilize for 2025-26 cap relief.

With the possibility of a Lakers trade seemingly more realistic than ever before, the inevitable question arises: Who exactly could Los Angeles move him for?

It's easy to point to anyone with a similar salary, but there's a need for value to be found in return. Los Angeles isn't in a situation in which it can afford to punt the 2024-25 season, as the window's closing rapidly on the Anthony Davis and LeBron James era.

Thankfully, if the Lakers decide to move on from Russell, then there's an option worth considering: Malcolm Brogdon of the Washington Wizards.

Malcolm Brogdon could be Lakers' missing piece—when he's healthy

Brogdon underwent surgery on his right thumb in early October. He's still in the process of recovering from the procedure, but he's begun shooting with his right hand and could thus be nearing a return to the court.

It's too soon to trade for Brogdon, but the Lakers would be wise to keep an eye on his progression and evaluate the possibility that the injury will have lingering effects.

In the event that Brogdon makes a full recovery, and the Lakers choose to trade Russell, a swap would would make sense on multiple levels. For starters, Brogdon has an expiring salary of $22.5 million, meaning Los Angeles could realistically construct a financially viable offer.

On the court, Brogdon has carved out a nine-year NBA career by adapting to what his teams have needed from him

Since 2019-20, Brogdon has produced averages of 17.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 three-point field goals made on .454/.383/.864 shooting. He's proven adept at creating with the ball in his hands, operating in an off-ball capacity, and prioritizing facilitating above scoring.

Brogdon also plays a low-risk style of game that's resulted in a career average of just 1.7 turnovers per contest.

With off-ball value as a catch-and-shooter and a responsible brand of on-ball play, Brogdon can bridge the gap that Russell has thus far been able to. He's less dynamic than the former All-Star, but still capable of creating his own looks from time to time and is all but automatic at the free-throw line.

It might be viewed as a lateral move to some, but the fit is more important than raw talent, and Brogdon has all of the qualities the Lakers have been looking for in a point guard.