D'Angelo Russell (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers could be in play for a potential blockbuster deal with the Utah Jazz, involving LA's No. 2 pick and point guard D'Angelo Russell.
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale explored potential blockbuster trades in the league that would alter the landscape of NBA. In one of Favale's trade scenario, the Lakers send their No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA draft and Russell, LA's incoming sophomore point guard, to the Jazz for Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward.
"Assuming the Philadelphia 76ers take Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick, the Lakers are essentially trading Brandon Ingram-after they actually select him-and D'Angelo Russell for Favors and Hayward," Favale wrote.
Favors and Hayward would speed-up the rebuild of the Lakers, who have had a two-consecutive dreadful seasons.
At 6-foot-10, Favors is undersized as a center, although he would fittingly be effective if Luke Walton decides to implement a small-ball lineup much like he used to deploy in Golden State. Favors is not exactly an All-Star, but the 2010 first round draft pick has seen improvements while playing for the Jazz, averaging a career-high 16.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 51.5 percent from the field this season.
Meanwhile, Hayward would serve as the needed boost at the small forward position, which the Lakers have been trying to address in the past few seasons. Adding Hayward would give the Lakers a versatile player who could play point forward, and be effective on both ends of the floor.
Last season was also the best year of Hayward's career as a Jazz, averaging a career-high 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
The Lakers seem committed to upgrade their roster via free agency, with the team high on keeping their young assets. However, there were plenty of chatters around the league that the Lakers could be looking at trading their No. 2 pick, although Sean Deveney of the Sporting News believes a deal could only happen if it involves a blockbuster trade.
"No, none of the five are Philadelphia or the Lakers. The consensus around the league is that the teams with slots 1-2 will hold onto their picks. If a blockbuster develops for L.A., that could change, but nothing is imminent on that front," Deveney wrote.
Favors and Hayward are not expected to make the Lakers title contenders, but their presence should give the team pieces to attract the likes of Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan to join the Purple and Gold.
The Lakers have been an unattractive destination for free agents in the past few seasons and this summer would likely be the same for LA despite the promising potential of Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. There is a growing sense that if they fail to lure top free agents, a blockbuster deal would be LA's alternative to get back in contention.
