Lakers Rumors: Randle joining Russell in Brooklyn is a possibility

Julius Randle has been the most talked about player within the Lakers Rumors. Now, we take a look at how Randle can rejoin an old teammate.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been very busy this offseason, sparking many Lakers rumors. Whether it is their draft choices, signings, or trades the Lakers have been busy this offseason. Now, their next move may be to part ways with 2014 first round pick Julius Randle.

All of this activity started back in June when the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to send D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick.

This trade had two parts. First, Los Angeles seemed to be all in on Lonzo Ball, making Russell more expendable. Second, and more importantly, to get rid of Timofey Mozgov’s awful contract. This made sense for the Lakers; although it was received with outrage initially, it makes sense in the grand scheme of things.

Then was the inevitable – the Lakers drafting Lonzo Ball. Ball excelled in the NBA Summer League, winning the MVP award, proving that this selection was worth it. Granted, Summer League doesn’t really mean anything, but it is a positive sign nonetheless.

Next, and most recently, was a great signing by LA. The team brought in young shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on an $18 million deal over one season. Expensive, yes, but Caldwell-Pope serves as the perfect one-year rental to help Ball grow.

This had led to a starting five that may look much different from last season, with perhaps one surprise inclusion as well. Kyle Kuzma, who was selected with the Nets’ pick, absolutely tore it up during the Summer League. Like with Ball, we cannot get ahead of ourselves, but Kuzma looked absolutely amazing in this tournament.

Although many think that Kuzma’s versatility may cause him to see more time at small forward, power forward is where he belongs. Kuzma is the perfect stretch four, something the Lakers don’t have despite being so desperately needed in today’s NBA.

This may be signaling a Julius Randle trade, with multiple possible suitors. However, the best deal may be to again do business with the Brooklyn Nets to reunite Russell and Randle.

Now, in the short term this deal is stupid, I get it. I understand why any fan would want to bash me for even proposing this kind of deal. However, in the long term, this makes a lot of sense as the Lakers continue their pursuit to bring in superstars.

More from Lakers Rumors

Los Angeles does lose future production from Julius Randle in this deal, but the benefits far outweigh the downfalls. Booker is no chip off the shoulder either, although he is not as talented or young as Randle, he will hold his own on this Lakers team.

Most importantly, this allows Los Angeles to get rid of Luol Deng and his massive contract. Los Angeles would only need to pay Booker $9 million this year before he becomes a free agent.

This not only opens the door for Kuzma to grow into a star, it opens cap space for the Lakers to play with.

Even with Jordan Clarkson’s decently sized contract, Los Angeles would still free up nearly $60 million after this season if they could accomplish something of this nature.

This gives the Lakers the flexibility to bring in a star without really losing a young stud. They have Kuzma for that now, who is sparking the Lakers rumors again around Randle.

Chances are Julius Randle may be traded before season’s end, it is just yet to be seen on who will take Deng’s contract with it. According to Lakers rumors, that is the only way this deal can be done.

Home/Lakers Rumors