D'Angelo Russell (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers could trade their own Russell this offseason to potentially sign another Russell next summer.
The Lakers could start as early as this offseason to iron out their plans of acquiring a marquee player. According to ESPN NBA Insider Kevin Pelton, trading D'Angelo Russell to the Philadelphia 76ers for Nerlens Noel could make room for a potential 2017 signing of OKC Thunder star point guard Russell Westbrook.
"As for something bolder, I'd consider offering the Philadelphia 76ers Russell for Nerlens Noel and the return of next year's protected pick. As much as I like Russell, there's a chance the Lakers sign a free agent point guard next summer (perhaps one who shares his first name with Russell's last name)," Pelton wrote.
Pelton is clearly referring to Westbrook, one of the top stars to hit free agency next summer. Westbrook, a California native who played college basketball in UCLA, is about to enter the final year of his five-year $78.5 million contract with the Thunder and many teams will surely be interested in luring the All-Star point guard.
There is no guarantee the Lakers would have a shot at signing Westbrook in next year's free agency, with LA seemingly losing their glamour to top free agents in the market. However, trading Russell would probably be the Lakers' backup plan to significantly improve the team's lineup.
The Lakers stroke a head-scratching at the opening of free agency by signing Timofey Mozgov to a four-year $64 million deal. The soon-to-be 30-year-old Russian has played limited minutes for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, and could hardly be a factor for the Lakers unless he regains his pre-injury form.
Trading for a young talented center like Noel, who can thrive on both ends of the floor, could be a trade that could make sense for the Lakers, with Mozgov the only option at the center position.
Noel has proven he could be an elite rim protector, but he could also stand out as an offensive threat inside the paint after averaging 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the 76ers last season. His athleticism at such size would make him a lethal weapon of Luke Walton's choice when playing small-ball.
On the other hand, the 76ers, much like the Lakers, have been an unattractive destination for top free agents. The 76ers has been attempting to land a top point guard available in the market, but has been left out without much options, with the likes of Jeremy Lin and Mike Conley already with teams.
Acquiring Russell would give them a young talented floor commander who could complement Ben Simmons' game. With Simmons expected to play as the team's top playmaker, Russell could be useful as a scoring off-guard.
However, the 76ers seem to be more inclined to keep Noel, and instead trade their other young big man, Jahlil Okafor. Likewise, the Lakers appear committed in including Russell in their future plans after general manager Mitch Kupchak guarantees the former second overall pick won't be traded in the offseason.
Nevertheless, it would be intriguing for the Lakers and 76ers to develop genuine interests at each other's potential tradable assets. But with free agency becoming very dull for both teams, there is a chance a trade could happen.
