4 Lakers Who Won't Survive the Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers are making a move at this trade deadline. Whether it's by adding an All-Star caliber player like Dejounte Murray or a lower-level player like Bruce Brown or Alex Caruso, it's hard to see LeBron James & Co. finishing out the 2023-24 season with the current roster.

The Lakers are currently 2.5 games out of the 8th seed. They have plenty of work to do to get out of the Play-In Tournament race and get a top-6 seed in the West. To make the trade that brings them closer to contention, Los Angeles will likely have to part ways with several rotation players. Here are the most likely candidates to be moved ahead of the February 8 trade deadline.

D'Angelo Russell

Russell has been one of Lakers fans' favorite scapegoats. Even when the 27-year-old point guard isn't playing poorly, he is often criticized. In fact, he is having a solid season, hitting 41.7% of his threes and putting up 17 points and 6 assists per game.

Yet, his defensive limitations are big for a team with championship aspirations. He was awful in the playoffs last season and the Lakers can't afford to enter another postseason with Russell having such a large role.

Plus, his contract is perfect for salary matching. He is the most obvious candidate to be included in a trade package, whether it's for a star or a rotation player.