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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a lot of problems over the last two years, and head coach Byron Scott has only complicated those problems. Rookie point guard and second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft D’Angelo Russell has not jelled with Scott. He’s been in and out of rotations and has not received a consistent role. He has started, been benched, been taken out of fourth quarters and played entire fourth quarters.

Russell was reportedly made available in late January, according to Hoopscritic.com’s Brian Geltzeiler. But that doesn’t mean that the Lakers are seriously considering trading Russell. The asking price was reportedly a top draft pick for the 2016 NBA Draft.

Among other Laker trade candidates are Roy Hibbert, who is on a $15 million expiring contract, and guard Louis Williams, who has two years left on his deal. ESPN’s Marc Stein also reports that forwards Brandon Bass and Nick Young are available.

The Lakers have two pieces to build around, Russell and second-year forward Julius Randle. The future is bright if the Lakers can successfully build around those two, but there is a lot of growing up to do.

Related Story: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Landing Spots For Roy Hibbert

Trading is the only option for the Lakers, who won’t have their first round pick in the upcoming draft if it falls outside the top three selections. Trying to acquire young talent to build around Russell and Randle is a must, and building towards an offseason where Kevin Durant is the primary free agent target.

But for now, it’s trying to build around Russell and Randle, or moving Russell to find another cornerstone piece to pair with Randle.

Next: Frontcourt Depth