Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Lakers Rumors: D'Angelo Russell, Hachimura, Vincent Trades Expected to Be Discussed

Doric Sam

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly prepared to make three key members of their rotation available for trades this season in hopes of improving their roster.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Lakers guards D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent "will be discussed on the trade market."

Scotto added that various NBA executives "believe two future Lakers first-round draft picks in 2029 and 2031 are the team's most coveted trade assets, given the Stepien Rule." The rule prevents teams from being without first-round picks in consecutive years, so Scotto noted that Los Angeles "can trade two unprotected first-round picks and three swaps overall."

Russell's name has been floating around in trade rumors for quite some time, as he has struggled mightily in his first year under new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The 28-year-old is averaging a career-low 12.1 points per game while playing 26.9 minutes, the second-lowest mark of his career. He's coming off back-to-back 17-point performances on over 50 percent shooting from the field, so he could still be an attractive trade candidate for teams in need of backcourt upgrades.

Hachimura has been a serviceable starter for the Lakers this season. While he's matched Russell with an average of 12.1 points, his 43.9 percent shooting from three-point range is the second-best mark of his career. He has $35.3 million remaining on the three-year, $51 million contract he signed prior to last season.

Vincent has had a disappointing run in Los Angeles since being traded from the Miami Heat before the 2023-24 campaign. Injuries limited him to 11 appearances in his first year with the Lakers, and he's struggled with his efficiency this year with an average of 3.2 points on 23.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Scotto noted that Los Angeles could be "dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target."

The Lakers (12-8) will be in action on Monday night when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (9-10).

   

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