The Los Angeles Lakers may want to explore the possibility of trading for Darius Garland amidst ongoing NBA rumors surrounding D’Angelo Russell and other potential roster changes.
The Los Angeles Lakers, once again entering the postseason through the play-in tournament, faced an early exit from the playoffs instead of advancing to the Western Conference Finals. With a crucial offseason ahead, maintaining the current roster won’t suffice.
While the Lakers aim to retain LeBron James, who holds a player option for the 2024-25 season, reports suggest that both James and Anthony Davis will have a say in selecting the team’s next head coach. Nevertheless, some roster changes are anticipated.
Point guard D’Angelo Russell might opt for free agency, potentially leaving the Lakers. Speculation links him to the Orlando Magic, with doubts arising about other teams’ willingness to meet his price if Orlando doesn’t.
Alternatively, if Russell stays or re-signs with the Lakers, he could become a trade candidate. The Lakers were reportedly close to trading him before the deadline, indicating openness to exploring options this offseason.
Finding a replacement for Russell poses a challenge, given limited alternatives in the point-guard market and the Lakers’ luxury tax situation. Although Chris Paul’s potential availability has been discussed, his age suggests a short-term solution.
A trade might offer the Lakers a starting-caliber point guard, with Darius Garland emerging as a potential candidate if Donovan Mitchell extends his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland’s agent might explore trade opportunities if Mitchell stays, potentially opening a window for the Lakers.
Acquiring Garland could prove challenging due to salary considerations and competition in the trade market. ESPN’s Bobby Marks proposed a trade involving Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, though retaining Reaves, a promising young talent, would be preferable for the Lakers.
Garland’s shooting prowess and age make him an attractive addition to the Lakers’ roster, potentially serving as a cornerstone alongside Reaves and Davis post-James. If Cleveland entertains offers for Garland, the Lakers could pursue him, provided Mitchell’s contract situation with the Cavaliers remains unchanged.
