Lakers Rumors: Which trade destination is the best for D’Angelo Russell?
By Jason Reed
![Feb 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell (1) controls the ball against New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose (25) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Feb 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell (1) controls the ball against New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose (25) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
1. Philadelphia 76ers
Another young promising core, the Lakers could do business with the 76ers to send D’Angelo Russell off to Philadelphia. The 76ers are perhaps the most promising young team in basketball and have the perfect assets to give the Lakers in exchange for Russell. The team already has Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Dario Saric to lead the way – missing that one coveted point guard.
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The 76ers have the tools to get this sort of deal done as well. Jahlil Okafor has seen himself take the back seat to Embiid, and still holds an immensely high ceiling. The 76ers could package Okafor and the Lakers own 2018 first round pick to land Russell. This would give the Lakers a favorable return for the guard and would give the 76ers a nice backcourt in the making.
With the third overall selection then the 76ers could pick up small forward Josh Jackson, playing him at shooting guard his rookie year like Kevin Durant.
Heck, they could even put Jackson at the three, Ben Simmons at the point, and move Russell over to his more natural shooting guard spot.
Or, the 76ers can take a natural shooting guard in the likes of Malik Monk or take a point guard like De’Aaron Fox, moving Russell over to the two. Whichever route the 76ers take, they have so many tools to snag Russell and should be determined to do so.
Next: Which Laker has the best chance of being dealt?
Overall, the Lakers rumors surrounding D’Angelo Russell have once again been cirling around the NBA news realm. If the Lakers can get the right return, we may see Russell end up in one of these new cities.