Lakers Insider Predicts D'Angelo Russell Will Likely Get Traded Soon

Jovan Buha of The Athletic has provided some critical insights into the Lakers' strategy regarding D'Angelo Russell.

"The Lakers are expected to be aggressive in pursuing Russell-centric trades according to league and team sources, Russell's expiring contract immediately becomes one of the Lakers' more valuable trade assets, particularly for salary matching purposes.

"And so if the Lakers make a trade here within the next 24 hours or within the next week, Russell and his $18.7 million expiring contract is expected to be at the center of that. The Lakers are also armed with two future first-round picks in 2029 and 2031, as well as three pick swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030."

According to Buha, the Lakers are expected to aggressively pursue trades centered around Russell, who recently opted into the final year of his contract, making him a valuable asset with an expiring $18.7 million deal. This development positions Russell as a prime candidate for salary-matching purposes in potential trades.

Buha emphasized that the Lakers have significant assets to leverage in trade discussions. These include two future first-round picks in 2029 and 2031, three pick swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030, and recent first-round picks like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht. The Lakers are reportedly high on Knecht and are expected to retain him, but the remaining assets offer substantial flexibility in trade negotiations.

"I've been told that internally, there is a sense that there is a clear ceiling to the Austin Reaves , D'Angelo Russell backcourt. And with Reaves being the younger player, the better defender, the better playoff performer, and on a team-friendly multi-year contract."

"The Lakers would prefer to keep Austin Reaves out of a trade and if they are going to split up this backcourt, they're looking to trade Russell, who they also tried to trade at the 2024 trade deadline."

Internally, the Lakers believe there is a "clear ceiling" to the backcourt duo of Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell. Reaves, being younger, a better defender, and a more reliable playoff performer, is seen as a long-term piece for the team, leaving Russell as the more expendable asset.

"Russell's coming off a strong regular season. He averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists. He shot a career-best 41.5%. Also set the single-season record for the Lakers for most threes made in a season. But for the second straight postseason, he declined as a playoff performer."

"This past postseason averaged 14 points and 4.2 assists against the Nuggets in that five-game series. His field goal percentage dropped from 45.6% in the regular season down to 38.4% in the playoffs and his three-point percentage dropped from that 41.5% career-best mark down to 31.8%."

Despite a strong regular season where he averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists while shooting a career-best 41.5% from three, Russell's postseason performance dipped significantly. His shooting efficiency dropped to 38.4% from the field and 31.8% from three during the playoffs, diminishing his value to the Lakers.

"The ball is in the Lakers court now in terms of they can move a Russell and a Hachimura or a Russell and a Vanderbilt and get into that $30 to $35 million range depending on which player they include."

"And if they are willing to throw in a first-round pick or two, that gets you in the conversation for a bunch of different types of players. So it might not be the third star that fans wanted."

"There are several players that are potentially available that could help the Lakers and looking at some names I've previously mentioned I look at a Jeremi Grant or a Kyle Kuzma or maybe in Brooklyn a Dorian Finney-Smith or a Cam Johnson."

"I expect them to be aggressive in pursuing Russell-centric trades as soon as Saturday morning, though it could end up being a day, a few days, or even a week, a few weeks. Like this could potentially drag out deeper into the summer or even into next season, but the Lakers are going to try to move Russell and upgrade this roster."

Russell's expiring contract, combined with the Lakers' ability to package it with other assets such as Rui Hachimura , Jared Vanderbilt , and Gabe Vincent, offers a pathway to acquiring a player in the $30 to $35 million range.

Buha mentioned several potential targets for the Lakers, including Jeremy Grant, Kyle Kuzma, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Cam Johnson. These players could provide the defensive prowess and shooting ability needed to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers' front office, led by Rob Pelinka , has been cautious yet optimistic about navigating the new CBA's financial restrictions. While Pelinka has downplayed immediate trade activity, the urgency to maximize the current roster's potential remains.

The expiring contract of Russell, paired with draft picks and young talent, provides the Lakers with numerous options to strengthen their team. The pursuit of a third star might be less likely, but strategic acquisitions can significantly enhance the Lakers' competitiveness.

While the timing of a trade involving Russell remains uncertain, the Lakers are poised to explore all possibilities to improve their roster. Whether it happens in the next few days or extends into the season, the Lakers' strategy revolves around utilizing Russell's expiring contract to bring in players who can better support their championship aspirations.

Related: D'Angelo Russell Explains Why He Accepted Player Option With The Lakers

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