D’Angelo Russell Trade Would Give LeBron, Lakers Chance to Contend amid NBA Rumors
The Los Angeles Lakers have largely kept quiet during the 2024 NBA offseason.So quiet, in fact, they were mentioned among the teams that had in the worst offseason in a survey of coaches, scouts and executives from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.Despite the unflattering reviews, though, this hasn’t necessarily been a failure of the franchise. Rather, it may just be a reflection of the fact this market hasn’t allowed them to make major moves—yet.Yet is the key word there. While fans might be understandably anxious given the lack of activity to date, it’s important to remember the Lakers aren’t married to this roster. A significant change could still be coming soon.If nothing else, L.A.s inactivity apparently hasn’t been due to a lack of trying. The Athletic’s Jovan Bua relayed on Buha’s block (starts at 16:30 mark) that L.A. has been shopping D’Angelo Russell in trades since he opted into his contract for $18.7 million next season.That the Lakers have yet to find a taker for Russell is surely an accurate depiction of his trade value around the league. He is a fiery (if not always the most consistent) offensive contributor with pretty major defensive flaws. He’s also owed a new contract at some point between now and next summer.He is, however, a sizable salary slot, and that matters if the Lakers plan on any big-game hunting. Remember, they have trade assets to help sweeten the pot (two future firsts, Jalen Hood-Schifino, even Austin Reaves if needed for a megadeal), plus other eight-figure salaries to tack onto Russell’s if they need to match a lot of money.The fact L.A. remains on the prowl for roster upgrades is unequivocally good news—for the team, for the fans and, most importantly, for LeBron James.The 39-year-old left some money on the table in his new contract to give the club some wiggle room to add talent. And he would’ve sacrificed even more had the Lakers been able to sign an “impact player.”That’s because he is keenly aware of two things.First, that his championship clock is ticking. He might appear ageless inside the lines, but he’s in the same fight with Father Time as everyone else—he’s just handling it better than most.Second, that this team isn’t good enough to contend as currently constructed. Even if you believe the hiring of JJ Redick as head coach and drafting of Dalton Knecht put the Purple and Gold in a better place, you have to be extremely optimistic to think those were all the changes needed to elevate this team toward championship contention.Last season, the Lakers tied for 12th in winning percentage (.573) and ranked 19th in net efficiency rating (plus-0.6 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com). And that was with James playing his most games as a Laker (71), and his superstar sidekick, Anthony Davis, playing the most of his career (76).L.A. must improve on both ends to have any shot at competing for the crown. And that’s without accounting for the gauntlet that is the Western Conference, which could be as competitive as ever.The James-Davis duo will always give the Lakers a shot at making magic happen, but they clearly need more help. A trade involving Russell and some of their top assets could deliver that kind of support.Maybe it’s Jerami Grant. Perhaps it’s Lauri Markkanen. Maybe some impact player shakes up the trade market by wanting out of their current situation.The who isn’t the important part of this discussion. Not yet, anyway. The important thing is conversations are being had, conversations that—if everything breaks just right—would give James and the Lakers the kind of lift they need to rejoin the championship chase.
