Lakers center Roy Hibbert and rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell. (Photo : Getty Images)
Latest NBA rumors regarding the Los Angeles Lakers are saying that Nick Young and Roy Hibbert could be both on the trading block this December as head coach Byron Scott benched D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle to allegedly "shake things up" in La La land.
Sports World Report indicated that Scott is looking "to shake things up within the roster" and he had begun the process "with benching young talent" and a few trades could also follow "in the coming weeks".
The report also noted that the 54-year-old coach and former Lakers star is planning to tweak the roster internally first before making moves this midseason in an attempt to figure out more on who among his players are potentially going to be dealt.
ESPN reported that Scott had made "a dramatic change" to the Lakers' starting unit by making second overall pick D'Angelo Russell and last year's seventh overall selection Julius Randle come off the bench beginning with their game against Toronto on Monday.
Last season's Sixth Man of the Year awardee Lou Williams and rookie Larry Nance Jr. reportedly replaced the two youngsters in L.A.'s first five.
"We're 3-17, so obviously, it's not working," Scott said when asked about his intention behind the move. "So I wanted to get some new blood in there, some fresh blood, and see how those guys play. Five to 10 games from now, there might be another change."
The good news is that both Russell and Randle are considered as the building blocks of the Lakers' post-Kobe Bryant era, which means the setback is just temporary as Scott is perhaps looking to add more value to some of their potential trade pieces.
Meanwhile, Young and Hibbert are reportedly the current top trade baits of Scott going into midseason.
A lot of teams are said to be interested in the services of the mercurial Young while Hibbert is also an attractive addition to any team looking to add consistent defense in their frontline.
