LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Lakers rumors: Could the Lakers consider shopping D’Angelo Russell?

By Keith Rivas

Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) looks on as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) looks on as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Dec 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) gestures in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) gestures in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall health

At this point, it’s hard not to stop and wonder what could happen if Russell’s injury bug doesn’t leave him alone.

Already dealing with second noteworthy issue this season, it’s not a good pattern to be a part of.

The good news is that they are by no means career ending injuries, just perhaps career altering. By that, I mean that the injuries could pile up to the point where the Lakers have enough and try to move forward with someone else.

Marcelo Huertas and Jose Calderon shouldn’t be considered as starting point guards, so that opens the door for all sorts of trade potential.

There are teams that would want to bite on the D’Angelo Russell bullet if it comes down to it.

Teams like Sacramento have expressed interest in the past, and would be worth re-visiting if the injuries continue to affect Russell’s impact on a nightly basis.

This all starts and finishes with him taking care of himself, though. A situation where the Lakers trade one of their second overall picks is avoidable if unnecessary plays are kept out of reach.

Effort is one thing, but it can easily escalate to being over the top if he’s not careful.

Home/Lakers Rumors