The Los Angeles Lakers have few options in NBA free agency and might need to look at trades to significantly improve their roster. A report from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox on July 14, 2024, suggests one possibility could involve trading former All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell for Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr.
Knox pointed out that the Lakers could realistically negotiate a deal with Orlando from a financial perspective. The Magic, needing a guard like Russell, may also seek draft picks in a trade. However, there are worries that other teams’ interest could raise Carter’s trade value beyond what the Lakers are willing to pay.
An executive speaking with Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney on July 10 noted that the Lakers are keeping an eye on Carter’s availability due to his age, contract status, and the belief that he is undervalued.
Carter has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, leading him to miss a significant number of games for the Magic. On the other hand, Russell has chosen to opt into the final year of his contract, which carries a hefty $18.6 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season. This makes him a potentially valuable asset for trade purposes, particularly for salary matching, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha on June 29.
Buha also mentioned that even though Russell is staying in Los Angeles, the Lakers are likely to actively seek trades involving him, especially after not making any moves before the 2024 trade deadline. There are concerns within the organization about the long-term effectiveness of pairing Russell with Austin Reaves in the backcourt, considering Reaves’ youth, defensive abilities, and cost-effective contract.
Carter has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, leading him to miss a significant number of games for the Magic. On the other hand, Russell has chosen to opt into the final year of his contract, which carries a hefty $18.6 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season. This makes him a potentially valuable asset for trade purposes, particularly for salary matching, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha on June 29.
Buha also mentioned that even though Russell is staying in Los Angeles, the Lakers are likely to actively seek trades involving him, especially after not making any moves before the 2024 trade deadline. There are concerns within the organization about the long-term effectiveness of pairing Russell with Austin Reaves in the backcourt, considering Reaves’ youth, defensive abilities, and cost-effective contract.
