The Lakers' start to the season looked promising. A season-opening win vs. Minnesota, followed by wins versus Phoenix and Sacramento forced skeptics to praise new head coach JJ Redick for reinvigorating a team with continued championship aspirations since COVID-19. However, a rough stretch after the 3-0 start and D'Angelo Russell's benching (once again) leaves questions about his future. Despite better play from the benched Russell, roster moves feel likely.
The Lakers have been rumored to have interest in several players throughout the 'LeBron-AD' era of the team, but have failed to acquire a key player for their roster. The biggest trade that comes to memory is Russell Westbrook, which quickly became a failed 'Big Three' experiment.
Since then, the Lakers have built each season's roster with depth, but one key characteristic has lacked for post-NBA bubble Lakers teams. That characteristic, size, may finally get addressed by Los Angeles this season.
Los Angeles seeks frontcourt help as Russell's exit appears imminent
Reports in the last week suggest the Lakers want help alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Amongst those options are Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, and Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas.
REPORT: Jonas Valanciunas and Brook Lopez are two targets on the Lakers “internal board”, per @JakeLFischer.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 9, 2024
D’Angelo Russell is expected to be available as “outgoing salary”. pic.twitter.com/6NwNXh4g1o
Valanciunas, currently on a three-year, $30.3 million contract, could be deemed expendable by a rebuilding team seeking young players and draft picks. With a flexible contract, Los Angeles could find a middle ground for Valanciunas.
That middle ground could consist of a trade package featuring D'Angelo Russell, who's more likely to be traded than previously expected. For being the team's third-highest paid player ($18.7 million), Russell's numbers feel pedestrian.
In eight games as a starter, he's averaging 12 points, two rebounds, and six assists, shooting just 38 percent and 30 percent from three in 30 minutes. In two games as a reserve, D'Lo has improved to 16 points per game, shooting 47 percent and 38 percent from three.
Additionally, recent injuries to backup centers Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood could force Los Angeles to explore the trade market for a frontcourt piece sooner, rather than later. Several current factors, such as Wood's injury, Russell's poor play, and Valanciunas' potential impact make a deal more enticing for the Lakers. A D'Lo-Austin Reaves has proven to be a liability defensively, with Los Angeles currently sporting a defensive rating of 117.0, the seventh-worst in the NBA.