L.A. Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell is currently rated as the number 2 overall pick in the league, but according to a report from Bleacher Report, it is possible that the Lakers will trade him out in order to get two new members to the roster: Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors, both from the Utah Jazz.
According to the report, the Lakers and Jazz might push forward with this trade as it benefits both parties substantially. While the Lakers will be losing a hot pick point guard they will be filling in a few positions that are empty in the team.
Inquisitr points out that adding small forward Gordon Hayward would vastly improve the team's offense and Favors, despite being incosistent with his performance, will add some formidable size to the team which lacks a dominating physical presence on the hard floor during games.
The report also points out that the Lakers' stock would be increasing in the Western Conference if the two players are added to the club.
Russell moving to the Utah Jazz would give the team the powerful point guard they could build the franchise on in the future and this will continue to grow if the Jazz can secure Brandon Ingram or Ben Simmons, two potential superstars that would propel the Utah Jazz forward.
A separate report from Bleacher Report reiterates that the Lakers are also aiming to nab several superstars such as Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder, DeMar DeRozan from the Toronto Raptors and Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers. However, all three players have shown interest in signing a new contract with their current teams.
The LA Lakers are also intending on pushing forward to once again become a post-season threat despite the fact that legendary NBA superstar Kobe Bryant has officially retired and some of these trades may help the team achieve these goals in the 2016-2017 season.
