D'Angelo Russell (Photo : Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport)
The LA Lakers already have the no.2 pick in the draft but there are rumors that they want more.
While the 2016 NBA Draft was not projected as a top-heavy draft, it seems to have some depth and the Lakers could be willing to give up the last year's no.2 overall pick to get more pieces of the pie.
According to ESPN draft guru Chad Ford mentioned in a Sportscenter video clip (h/t CBS Sports).
"I think we all assume that Ingram's going to be the guy at No. 2, but they've brought in Marquese Chriss, they've taken a long look at him," Ford said. "They've brought in Dragan Bender, Jaylen Brown, and while I still believe that it will be Ingram at No. 2, the Lakers have explored other options. And again I think the concern with Ingram is his lack of strength and how NBA-ready he's going to be because of that. I think more likely the Lakers are trying to pick up another pick in this draft in the top five and the guy that they have that they can shop is D'Angelo Russell, a guy who was their No. 2 pick in the draft last year but burned some bridges in the locker room."
This may seem surprising since Russell has been known to be the untouchable in the young core. It would be easier to fathom trading Jordan Clarkson (though he's a restricted free agent) or Julius Randle before Russell, but in terms of returning value, Russell could bring back the best haul.
The issue with Russell was thought to have been resolved and the Lakers were even rumored to be trading Nick Young in the aftermath instead of Russell, which would have been the wise thing to do. But Bleacher Report corroborated the assumption that not all is well with Russell.
"Russell's standing with the Lakers has seemed tenuous for a long time," B/R writer Adam Wells opined. He noted problems that went beyond the video incident, even Byron Scott's opinion that Kyrie Irving as a rookie was still more mature than Russell.
If these assumptions hold water, then where would Russell go and who do the Lakers have in mind? The Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns have enough point guards so it's the Minnesota Timberwolves, holding the no.5 pick (and reportedly shopping it) that could take interest in Russell, especially since the jury's still out on whether Tom Thibodeau believes Ricky Rubio is a keeper.
The Lakers have had workouts with Jaylen Brown, Skal Labissiere and recently, Buddy Hield among others. Kobe Bryant had worked out with Hield and may have given his vote of confidence. The Oklahoma standout can contribute right away, perhaps even sooner than Brandon Ingram would.
These are still speculations based on Chad Ford's statement-which is not by any means etched in stone. The Lakers may simply be exercising their due diligence or maximizing the perks of having a top draft pick (which means they can invite almost any aspiring prospect) to gain some intel.
