According to the Lakers' reporters, the Lakers now clearly want to send Russell away to trade for an All-Star guard to improve the team's weak guard line. The Lakers reached a 2-year, $36 million contract extension with Russell in the offseason, and Russell's performance this season is still not sluggish, averaging 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, shooting 46.2% from the field, and 38% from three-point range.
The Lakers had a poor record after winning the midseason championship and suffered a four-game losing streak, at this time, as the team's third scorer, Russell did not stand up and take responsibility, and the performance was still as stretched as always, so the Lakers have made up their minds to send Russell away. The media predicts that the Lakers have three main target candidates.
One is to trade Russell + Hachimura + Wood + Schifino with the Bulls to get DeRozan + Caruso. As for LaVine, the Lakers will not consider it, firstly, because LaVine's contract is very large and the cost performance is extremely low, and secondly, LaVine's style of play is not suitable for the Lakers. DeRozan has excellent offensive ability, and Caruso is also a player that the Lakers have been dreaming of.
The second is to use Russell + Hachimura + 2029 first-round pick + 2028 and 2230 first-round swap rights + 2 second-round picks to trade with the Cavaliers in exchange for Mitchell;
The third is to trade Russell + Hachimura + 2029 first-round pick + 1 second-round pick to trade with the Mavericks for Irving. Irving made contact with the Lakers in the offseason, when the Lakers could not meet the maximum salary contract that Irving requested, and finally Irving reached a three-year, $126 million contract extension with the Mavericks, and the Lakers now realize that the team needs an All-Star level guard, James has a good personal relationship with Irving, but if you want the Mavericks to release him, it is obvious that these chips are obviously not attractive enough.
Personally, I think the most likely transaction is the first option, what do you think?