Lakers Rumors: Trades that make sense after D’Angelo Russell deal
By Jason Reed
Magic Johnson once again turned some heads by dealing former second overall pick, D’Angelo Russell. Now, according to these Lakers rumors, what should the next move be?
In case you missed it, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to deal D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets yesterday, June 20th. The basketball world is awaiting the official word from both teams, but this deal is practically a foregone conclusion. Along with D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers shipped away Timofey Mozgov, receiving Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick in return.
While it is sad to see Russell go, especially since we never really saw his full ceiling, this deal did accomplish good things for the Lakers. With so many superstars tied to the team, they have to free up the contracts of Mozgov and Luol Deng. The team effectively got rid of Mozgov for Lopez, who will be better for one year, as he is on an expiring deal.
Lopez is owed $22 million this season. Unless he agrees to take a massive pay cut next year, there is almost no chance that the Lakers will resign him. They need that money for a bigger star.
Plus, the Lakers are heavily favored to take UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball with the second overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft. This deal practically makes that selection inevitable as trading Russell opens up space at point guard.
Although the Lakers could have easily shifted him to shooting guard, which is a more natural fit, they decided instead to cash out on his trade value.
This deal seems to be the opening act in a long sequence of events, all part of Magic Johnson’s master plan. Therefore, according to the latest Lakers rumors, what are the best next steps the Los Angeles Lakers?