Lakers Rumors: LA Actively Looking To Trade Starter, Key Reserve
Your Los Angeles Lakers' 2023-24 NBA season has been filled with many ups and downs, so far, but they seem to finally be putting it together. After weeks of dealing with multiple injuries, the team finally has the majority of their players available to play.
The extra help has made a difference on the court, and the Lakers may be finding their footing. But LA still may want to upgrade the roster to give themselves a better chance at winning the title this season. This has led to reports that the team is looking to trade two of their top rotation pieces.
"Rival NBA executives consider guard D’Angelo Russell and forward Rui Hachimura as top trade candidates starting in the middle of this month, per Michael Scotto of Hoopshype."
Both Russell and Hachimura aren't eligible to be traded until December 15 since they re-signed with the team this past offseason. But once that date hits, everything is fair game for LA to use in a potential deal.
Hachimura is liked by the Lakers staff but if they have a chance to upgrade the team, they will. He is on a team-friendly deal and could serve as a nice trade chip for LA this season.
To be fair, Russell has been having a good season this year, and his play has surprised some with the Lakers. He does compliment LeBron James and Anthony Davis well, but it remains unknown if he can be trusted come playoff time.
"Russell is having a nice season, though, and the Lakers are actively looking to move him, sources told Hoops Wire"
Moving on from Russell would likely mean that the Lakers are trying to bring another star to town. They have been linked with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls for some time now, and Russell could be a nice swap.
Of course, LA would need to add more to a potential deal, but it's a start. The trade deadline is in two months, and the Lakers have some work to do.
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