NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers predicted to get rid of D'Angelo Russell and sophomore's combined $22.4M expiring contracts
NBA trade rumors suggest the LA Lakers will be active until the trade deadline in search of roster upgrades. One of their primary goals would be to get rid of D'Angelo Russell's $18.6 million and sophomore Jalen Hood-Schifino's $3.8 million expiring contracts to acquire the players they covet.
Both point guards have been significantly involved in the rumor mill. LA hoped to bank on Russell and Hood-Schifino to make invaluable contributions nightly, but the performance hasn't translated on the court.
Here's what NBA beat reporter Evan Sidery said about the Lakers' trade plans involving the two:
"The Lakers are one of the most active teams in early trade discussions around the NBA. Los Angeles has dangled the expiring contracts of D’Angelo Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino in exploratory talks. Keep an eye on Los Angeles between now and February’s deadline making moves."
It makes sense for the LA Lakers to include Russell and Hood-Schifino. It's better than losing them for nothing in free agency next year. Additionally, most lottery teams would look for deals like this as they would be open to short-term salary dumps over the long term.
LA Lakers' D'Angelo Russell produced his season-best outing amid trade buzz
D'Angelo Russell is coming off his best outing in the 2024-25 NBA season. The veteran point guard dropped 17 points and five assists, with zero turnovers on 7-of-11 shots in 26 minutes off the bench in the Lakers' 119-101 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Russell had been struggling for consistency, so it was refreshing to see him in a rhythm after long. His improved form last year around the trade deadline was one of the key reasons behind the Lakers' reviving their season and finishing eighth in the West before beating the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament for the seventh seed.
If he consistently makes an impact like this, the Lakers might have to decide on his future instead of considering him as a trade chip. They also have other options like Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and potentially Rui Hachimura as other candidates to dangle in packages.
Ultimately, the LA Lakers won't have much say if D'Angelo Russell appears to be their only option to include in a potential deal for a player or two who could raise the team's ceiling. The Lakers need a defensive wing who is a steady presence on offense and a reliable center who they can start or play next to Anthony Davis.