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Quick Bytes
- D’Angelo Russell may leave the Lakers, with the Nets interested in a reunion.
- Russell’s $18.7 million player option gives the Lakers trade flexibility.
- The Lakers are considering a rebuild, exploring trades for new talent.
- LeBron James is reportedly open to a pay cut to facilitate team improvements.
Lakers and Nets Navigate Potential D’Angelo Russell Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the throes of an offseason shake-up, with D’Angelo Russell’s future at the forefront of trade discussions. Russell’s decision to pick up his player option for the 2024-25 season presents the Lakers with options to either retain him or leverage his contract in a trade.
Despite Russell’s desire to stay, the Lakers are actively seeking trade opportunities. The Brooklyn Nets emerge as a logical destination, considering Russell’s previous All-Star stint with them and their current interest in a reunion. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that the Nets have been open to bringing Russell back since the trade deadline.
As the Nets gear up for a rebuild, indicated by their trade of Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, they hold assets that could entice the Lakers. Players like Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Dennis Schroder are on the Lakers’ radar, potentially paving the way for a mutually beneficial trade.
The Lakers’ motivation for exploring trades also stems from their belief that the Russell and Austin Reaves backcourt has maxed out its potential. With the clock ticking on LeBron James’ willingness to wait for team enhancements, and his openness to a salary reduction for talent acquisition, the Lakers are poised to make significant moves, possibly eyeing free agents like DeMar DeRozan to bolster their guard rotation.
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