This proposed trade involves three teams
THE Los Angeles Lakers could look to trade one of their All-Stars, according to an NBA analyst.
LeBron James’ Lakers have been mostly quiet throughout the NBA offseason.
An NBA analyst believes the Los Angeles Lakers could trade a one-time All-StarCredit: Getty
The analyst thinks D’Angelo Russell, who has one year left on his contract, could be dealt before the season – and has made a proposed trade involving the star point guardCredit: Getty
Los Angeles did make headlines with their 2024 NBA Draft second-round selection of Bronny James – the son of LeBron.
But other than adding Bronny and their first-round draft pick of Dalton Knecht, the Lakers haven’t signed anyone to an NBA contract.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes the Lakers could “retool” and by that, he means sending D’Angelo Russell to the Charlotte Hornets in a three-team trade.
Pincus proposed a deal in which Los Angeles trades Russell, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Hornets and receive Tree Mann and Nick Richards in return.
The Utah Jazz works their way in the proposed trade and sends their second-highest 2025 first-round pick to the Hornets and get back Vasilije Micic.
Pincus makes the argument that Los Angeles dealing four players for two helps their roster construction.
The Lakers would also add more salary cap space as a result of the trade.
The Lakers currently have a full roster of 15 and have just $45,000 of cap space to work with.
The BR writer then wrote that the Lakers could then sign free-agent point guard Markelle Fultz.
Los Angeles would be adding the 26-year-old 7-foot center Richards, who averaged 9.7 points per game last season, and Fultz, whom he believes is the best available free-agent point guard.
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The Lakers would be losing Russell, who shot 41.5 percent from downtown while averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists.
Still, Russell has continued to be in trade rumors due to his $18.7 million salary.
LeBron had reportedly discussed with the Lakers a “substantial pay cut” to add a star like Klay Thompson or DeMar DeRozan.
But Thompson signed a three-year deal with the Mavericks and DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings as part of a sign-and-trade deal.
James will be entering his 22nd season in the league this upcoming seasonCredit: Getty
LeBron proceeded to close to the max contract.
It’s likely that Russell still rocks a purple and gold jersey under new head coach JJ Redick in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
He has one year left on his contract.
James has other things to worry about, at the moment, as he hopes to guide Team USA to earn the gold medal in the Paris Olympics.
The U.S. will take on France in the gold medal game on Saturday.
LeBron is eyeing his fourth career Olympic gold medal.
