3 trades the Lakers could make with D’Angelo Russell https://t.co/YStYdgjnkI
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) November 9, 2024
1. Brooklyn Nets
Lakers get:
-Dorian Finney-Smith
Nets get:
-D’Angelo Russell
-Jalen Hood-Schifino
-2029 first round pick
2. Utah Jazz
Lakers get:
-Jordan Clarkson
-Walker Kessler
Jazz get:
-D’Angelo Russell
-Jalen Hood-Schifino
-2029 first round pick
-2031 first round pick
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Lakers get:
-Jerami Grant
-Duop Reath
Trail Blazers get:
-D’Angelo Russell
-Gabe Vincent
-Maxwell Lewis
-2029 first round pick
https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1855298394484625603
The Lakers clearly need a second big who can start at center next to Anthony Davis in two-bigs lineups to eliminate the interior size disadvantage they face against teams with multiple bruising bigs.
It’s not just Jokic but Embiid and the Cavs and more and more teams whom Anthony Davis alone or with Rui just cannot handle. Lakers need to trade for Kessler and commit to two bigs. It doubles down on defense and freeing up AD to roam at both ends of the court.
If we’re going to trade picks, I’d rather do it for a 23-year old on a rookie contract than a questionable third star in their early 30’s. A young affordable 250 lb center who can start next to AD and protect the rim is worth it to this team. It solves the one vulnerability that they cannot solve from current roster.
Let’s replace Clarky with Lauri?
Unfortunately, Utah is not trading Markkanen.
Give the Trailblazers Vanderbilt for whatever it takes to make the deal work, and I would be okay with Jeremi Grant who is as stiff as Vanderbilt but far more talented…..
We need a second big to pair with AD more than we need a wing.