Lakers Wary Of Trading $36 Million Star In ‘Lateral Move’ Ahead Of Trade Deadline

D’Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakers are making the biggest headlines this season. He proved to be a top option for the franchise last season, but his performance wasn’t of great help in the postseason. Russell is rumored to be a top trade option for the purple and gold this time. Where is he going next? The trade deadline is almost here and the Lakers have to make a decision. Are they willing to trade Russell?

“I’d put it around 40 percent that Russell remains with the Lakers, which is higher than I would have as recently as a few weeks ago,” Jovan Buha from The Athletic reported on January 26. “I think it’s more likely than not he’s traded by the deadline, but it’s become more of a 50-50 proposition given the rising threshold for the Lakers to move him.

“The Lakers view trades in which they move Russell for players like Portland’s Malcolm Brogdon, Washington’s Tyus Jones or Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie as lateral moves at best, and most likely downgrades, according to team sources.”

Lakers have to make a move before the trade deadline

The Lakers veteran averages 27.4 points since becoming part of the starting lineup seven games ago. He is also going 53.1% of his three-point shots. Russell also scores 6.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.

The Lakers front office was willing to trade Russell, but his recent performance may change the whole perspective.

“Russell’s recent play has certainly made their decision harder,” Buha added. “This is not only his best stretch of the season, but undoubtedly the best stretch of either of his Lakers tenures and one of the best of his career.

“However, it has not changed the two biggest obstacles to retaining Russell past the deadline.”

If the Lakers don’t manage to trade Russell, they will have to trade Austin Reaves. Pelinka wasn’t willing to trade Reaves, but he may have to make an exception. Let’s see what happens by the end of the season. Reaves is a great player and the Lakers won’t give up on him that easily. Pelinka will have to play wise this time. Will he let Reaves go?