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Lakers Rumors: D’Angelo Russell to the 76ers is a realistic possibility

By Jason Reed

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 /
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With the 2017 NBA Draft fast approaching Lakers rumors have been circling at an intense rate. One of these rumors actually makes a whole lot of sense.

I know this will not sit well with Lakers fans, but D’Angelo Russell to the Philadelphia 76ers is a very realistic possibility. Whether you love him or hate him, Russell’s name has been the topic of many recent Lakers rumors, with this one perhaps being the most viable.

Russell is arguably the leader of this young core. Alongside fellow young stars such as Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle, Russell serves as the leader, and focal point, of this rebuilding franchise. Despite Magic Johnson saying that Brandon Ingram is the only untouchable, it is evident that Russell has the highest ceiling.

However, after two seasons Russell has not lived up to the superstar potential that the Lakers have wanted. It makes it all the more frustrating when the Lakers were one selection away from Karl-Anthony Towns and still could have selected Kristaps Porzingis.

Despite Russell not sprouting into this instant superstar that the Lakers may have expected, he still has been a solid player. Russell averaged just over 13 points a game in his rookie year, bumping that up to just under 16 in his sophomore slump. While his assists numbers are low for a point guard, Russell has shown signs of being able to break out and be a 20 point per game player.

There is one man who may be causing some tension for Russell and the Lakers and that man in Lonzo Ball. Ball is not even a Laker yet, however, he is the most likely of the draft class and would slot in at point guard over Russell.

Heck, even if the Lakers pass on Ball chances are they will still draft a point guard. De’Aaron Fox and Markelle Fultz are also rumored targets for the Lakers, so it is evident that the team is looking to bring in a young guard.

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This may make no sense, especially considering that the team already has a young starting point guard and a decent shooting guard in Jordan Clarkson. This is where the trade to Philadelphia comes in.

The Lakers may look to swap Russell for the third overall pick, giving the 76ers their much-needed guard and giving the Lakers another top three selection. The 76ers already have a great young core, and adding in Russell could be the spark to returning to the postseason in the near future.

As for the Lakers, if they feel as if Russell is not working out they could flip him, practically trading a number two pick for a number three pick. This would allow the team to draft Ball, and perhaps bring in Josh Jackson to play shooting guard.

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While on paper it may defeat the purpose, D’Angelo Russell is a logical target for the 76ers and the Lakers may be tempted to press the reset button on their young guards. However, this is all speculation and Lakers rumors, and we will see what really happens on June 22nd.

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