D'Angelo Russell (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers could explore a trade that would see LA acquiring Milwaukee Bucks big man Greg Monroe and Jabari Parker.
The Lakers may have improved their roster in the offseason after mixing in some veterans into their youthful lineup. But while the Lakers seem committed in developing their core of young talents, tweaking their lineup remains a possibility this season. According to the latest NBA trade rumors reported by the Inquisitr, the Lakers are in talks with the Bucks for a potential deal involving Greg Monroe, Jabari Parker and D'Angelo Russell.
Monroe has been considered the odd man out in Milwaukee. The 26-year-old big man struggled to fit with the Bucks' last season, although statistically, Monroe posted solid numbers, averaging 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Many believe it is only a matter of when before the Bucks move on from Monroe, but it makes little sense for the Lakers to trade away Russell for a pair of big men.
The Lakers are already stacked with frontcourt pieces after signing Timofey Mozgov and Yi Jianlian earlier this summer. Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. are also expected to earn major minutes under Luke Walton, which should dismiss any need of another frontcourt piece.
On the other hand, Russell is poised to take over LA after a disappointing debut with the Lakers under Byron Scott. Russell, the Lakers' second overall pick in 2015, only averaged 13.2 points and 3.3 assists per game for the Lakers last season, but the 20-year-old point guard is expected to flourish for Tinsel town this season under the helms of Walton.
"This offseason has been great," Russell said, reports Basketball Insiders. "I've had an opportunity to really get in the gym, meet the new coaching staff and my new teammates. Getting that chemistry built early has been a huge plus. I'm also working on a lot of things to improve my game - mainly with my consistency on jump-shots, floaters and finishing around the rim."
Likewise, it is highly unlikely for the Bucks to trade away Parker, who is considered an essential piece in Milwaukee's own roster of talented youngsters. After being limited to only 25 games in his rookie season, Parker bounced back and immediately established himself as a key player for the Bucks, averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season. While Parker should no doubt entice teams due to his potential, he is still considered a valuable piece for the Bucks moving forward.
It is still a possibility the Bucks and Lakers explore trade deals before the deadline, with both teams having expendable pieces in their respective roster. But the suggested scenario from the rumor mill has no chance of coming into fruition.
