Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors 2016: D'Angelo Russell Reportedly Made Available for Trade Offers

By Jude Abastar, Christian Post Contributor Friday, January 29, 2016

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected D'Angelo Russell as the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, everyone was impressed with the choice, knowing that the 19-year-old has what it takes to become a future superstar in the league. It also was a decision that made a lot of sense because the team is expected to be in the process of rebuilding, especially when Kobe Bryant announced his retirement after this season.

But with only a couple of weeks away from the NBA trade deadline and the Lakers becoming one of the worst teams in the league this season, the atmosphere in LA quickly changed. Now they're saying that Russell has been placed on the trading block.

There is no official word yet, and in most instances, there will be none, until a trade is agreed upon. At this point, though, several online reports are saying that the rumor is indeed true and that the rookie guard may soon find a new team this season.

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Now it certainly looked like the Lakers front office regretted picking the young guard from Ohio State instead of Jahlil Okafor (picked third by the 76ers), perhaps the very reason why they're making him available in the trade market. However, this also does not mean that they're desperate. The fact is the team might just be open enough to other possibilities, to an extent even the possibility of getting a highly valuable player who can immediately contribute.

But it really won't make any sense if the Lakers get a veteran since it won't be a long-term project. Except for Bryant, Nick Young, and Lou Williams, the rest of the team's regular rotation are young players.

Obviously, they wouldn't want to pass on the chance of getting a player like Kristaps Porzingis in exchange for Russell, but that is highly unlikely; though the Knicks are also in search of a young point guard to work with Carmelo Anthony.

Lakers fans have a lot of things to worry about this season, highlighted by the departure of their superstar, Kobe Bryant. But if they hang on to Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson, they might have a very good future without Bryant.