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Lakers Rumors: D’Angelo Russell to the Kings would make sense

By Jason Reed

Apr 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) knocks away a pass from Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) knocks away a pass from Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even more Lakers rumors are swirling as we get closer to the NBA Draft. This go around they are once again regarding D’Angelo Russell.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is a familiar topic among all of the Lakers rumors. Despite being the second overall selection only two seasons ago, Russell seems to always be the talking point of trade. Many believe Russell should stay, as he is a viable asset to this Lakers team. Others, well they point out that he cannot be a superstar and that the Lakers should cash out now.

More fuel has been added to this fire as the Lakers are reportedly choosing between Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson with the second overall selection this year. Chances are Adam Silver will call Ball’s name, signaling Russell’s move to shooting guard.

Quite frankly, D’Angelo Russell would be a perfect shooting guard for the Lakers. He is obviously a score first guard, showcased by his low assist numbers. Bringing in a dynamic playmaker like Ball would give Russell the freedom to get open off the ball, giving himself more chances to score. This seems like a win-win for both parties.

However, it is only complicating things. Reports are indicating that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to trade Russell to bring in another lottery selection. Now, we knew that the Lakers wanted to move up from the 28th overall selection, but trading away Russell seems to a considerable jump.

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Yet, despite the shock factor involved, there is a perfect team for D’Angelo Russell out there. That team is the Sacramento Kings, who could use Ball’s services at point guard.

While Russell certainly is better suited for the shooting guard position, he still can play a good point guard. With Buddy Hield in the mix at the two, it would make sense to see Russell at the one. A backcourt of Hield and Russell could develop into one of the most deadly in the game.

Needless to say, the Kings can sacrifice a lottery selection to get Russell. They hold both the fifth and tenth overall selection, making it easier to trade away the lower pick.

The Kings could then focus on drafting a forward with the fifth pick instead of a guard. Either Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum will most likely still be available, giving the Kings a trio of Russell, Hield, and most likely Tatum.

The tenth overall selection puts the Lakers in perfect position to land either Luke Kennard or Jason Collins, the rumored targets for the team. With Ball incoming, and Paul George in the fray potentially at shooting guard, this could be the team’s best move.

Next: Trade packages to receive another pick

Overall, we will not see an end to these Lakers rumors until the team returns to success. As the draft gets closer the Lakers rumors will only intensify, and carry on after that.

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