'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The LA Lakers could make a trade this season, and the player who's most likely to be part of it is D'Angelo Russell. As the Lakers try to save their season, trading the veteran point guard is one of their last options. There have been rumors about Russell's future with the team, and it's likely that he'll get traded this season.
Russell's numbers have dropped this season. When the six-foot-four guard was traded back to the Lakers last season, many thought he would be one of the key contributors to their success. However, he has struggled mightily, and fans are over him as their point guard.
How well has D'Angelo Russell played this season?
D'Angelo Russell had an average start to the season. Russell showed obvious signs of struggle, but it was understandable, as that's usually the case at the start of the season. However, his struggles became more frequent, and fans started to get tired of seeing him miss shots.
35 games in, and D'Angelo Russell's numbers haven't improved. He's averaging 14.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 38.5% from the three-point range. He's had 14 games this season where he had no shots or just one made shot from beyond the arc, which has frustrated the fans. His decline in production has led Darvin Ham to put him on the bench for the past seven games.
With that said, here are teams that could trade for Russell this season.
#5 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are still in a decent spot in the East. However, they could improve if they have a capable guard controlling the offense. The Heat still have Kyle Lowry on the roster, which is great since he's a fantastic defender and an intelligent facilitator on the offensive end.
It could be risky to trade Lowry for a point guard who's not known for his defensive abilities. It's worth considering, though, that playing for the Heat could positively impact D'Angelo Russell. Plus, Lowry can provide a defensive boost for the Lakers.
#4 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have a promising, young squad this season. Although they are consistently underperforming this season, a bit of growth could help the team. D'Angelo Russell might not be the best veteran the Pistons could get, but he can help the young players learn how to navigate the NBA.
In exchange for Russell, the Lakers could acquire either Bojan Bogdanovic or Joe Harris. Both are capable snipers from beyond the arc, which could give fans some peace of mind. What's more interesting is that Bogdanovic can create his shots and has the veteran understanding of how to win.
#3 Brooklyn Nets
Returning to a former team has the potential to rejuvenate some players. Take D'Angelo Russell, for example. He played well in the first few games when he was traded to the Lakers last season. A similar thing could happen if the Brooklyn Nets decide to trade for him.
Russell seems to always thrive when he's the only good player on the team. That's what happened during his two-year stint with the Nets. Brooklyn doesn't boast a significantly exceptional group, which could be beneficial for the one-time All-Star to find his stride.
#2 San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are in dire need of a capable point guard to help Victor Wembanyama unlock his potential. While they do have Tre Jones, a more experienced point guard could be a way better fit for Wemby. Trading for D'Angelo Russell is one of their best options, as he's got a ton of experience under his belt.
The Lakers need shooting, which is why Doug McDermott could be their guy this season. He's spent three seasons losing with the Spurs and is eager to turn things around for his career and get back to winning.
#1 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are the team that's willing to make a run in trading for D'Angelo Russell this season. The Bulls are bound to break their core of players, and having Russell when they go back to square one could be their plan.
Plus, the Lakers are eager to acquire Alex Caruso, their former player who many believe can turn things around for the team. However, that won't be possible unless Los Angeles is willing to give up Austin Reaves to Chicago.
