One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ few valuable trade assets has reportedly seen a significant drop in value across the NBA, which could hinder the team’s chances of making a major move before the 2024-25 season begins.
Outside of firing head coach Darvin Ham and bringing in LeBron James’ podcast friend JJ Redick as a replacement, the Lakers’ offseason has been lackluster. Despite efforts to recruit Klay Thompson and interest in trading for Dejounte Murray, the team has made no significant changes.
The Lakers have been linked to various trade rumors over the past six months, and there is speculation that they may make a move before training camp in October. However, D’Angelo Russell, a player the team hopes to include in a potential blockbuster trade, is proving difficult to move.
D’Angelo Russell’s stats (2023-24): 18.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 42% 3PT
In a recent YouTube mailbag video, The Athletic’s Lakers reporter Jovan Buha revealed that Russell’s reputation around the league is at a low point. While the Lakers have been linked to a possible trade for Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, Buha noted that Portland has no interest in acquiring Russell.
The Lakers are also considered a potential destination for Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, but the Wizards don’t see much value in a trade involving Russell.
However, there is some optimism. Buha mentioned that the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors have a more favorable view of Russell and see his expiring contract as an advantage for the upcoming season. Nonetheless, the Lakers insider believes it’s more likely that the team will wait until February’s trade deadline to make a significant move.