Lakers Active in NBA Trade Market Following D’Angelo Russell’s Decision

By Mathieu S. | NBA Editor

Trades have been numerous in the NBA in recent days and the Lakers are not necessarily far from joining in the party. They also picked up a major asset this Saturday with the decision of D’Angelo Russell.

While Dejounte Murray was traded to the Pelicans this Friday, Trae Young could be next on the Hawks side. The franchise is beginning a reconstruction and a large part of its roster is in danger. It’s not the same for the Lakers, but the franchise is active in the market, especially since D’Angelo Russell’s decision.

Despite rumors to the contrary in recent months, DLo has decided to activate his player option at just over $18 million per season. He was probably hoping to decline it at first and find a better contract on the market, but his recent performances, especially in the playoffs, have weighed down his file with other teams.

Lakers ready to take action at any time?

For Angelinos, this is a great thing. No, JJ Redick will not necessarily have the opportunity to use the point guard, quite simply because Rob Pelinka should use this asset to make a new trade according to Jovan Buha. Russell will be traded and suffice to say that he is already one of the best assets available. A trade in the coming days would not be a surprise.

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The Lakers are expected to be aggressive in pursuing D’Angelo Russell-centric trades, per @jovanbuha (https://t.co/NvZjMI4gBR).

Russell’s $18.7 million expiring contract is now a valuable tool for Los Angeles to match salary in a potentially big transaction. pic.twitter.com/nT5uYJy9E8

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 29, 2024

“The Lakers will aggressively pursue Russell trades according to sources. His expiring contract immediately becomes one of the Lakers’ most valuable assets in a matter of salary matching. If they make a trade in the next 24 hours or next week, Russell’s contract should be at the heart of it. »

Rather than losing Russell for nothing in return, the Angelinos have the opportunity to use this contract to get another player. It remains to be seen who exactly, but there are many targets for the Purple and Gold.

We expect movement at the Lakers, and even more after D’Angelo Russell’s decision. For Jovan Buha, everything could go very quickly depending on the offers on the market…

2024-06-29 15:00:00
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