Rumor has it several teams have reached out to the Los Angeles Lakers about a potential D’Angelo Russell trade. Which teams could be serious players for his services?
On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ wish came true. The 2017 NBA Draft Lottery came and went, and they were still in possession of their own first round pick. As if that wasn’t enough, they actually moved up one spot, with Lady Luck dropping the No. 2 overall pick into their laps.
That immediately spurred interest in D’Angelo Russell from around the league, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jake Fischer. Word is there are multiple teams “evaluating trade packages” for the 2015 No. 2 overall pick.
Why? Well it’s assumed Magic Johnson and Co. will take a point guard with the No. 2 pick, seeing as the unquestioned top two talents of the 2017 draft class happen to play that position.
With the Lakers having a shot at whoever’s left over between Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, Russell essentially becomes a redundant talent on their roster. They could move him to shooting guard and cement Jordan Clarkson as the sixth man. However, it’s almost better to cash in on Russell’s potential and cheap contract by trading him away.
If that truly is the case, it begs the question of which teams are actually interested? And furthermore, which teams can offer something Magic actually wants?
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That’s why I’ve decided to take a look at a few clubs who could be serious players for Russell if he’s made available by the Lakers. It seems crazy considering many see him as Los Angeles’ franchise player, but that’s what happens when a rising star like Fultz or Ball becomes available.