Latest Lakers trade rumors should have Wizards very interested

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, who noted the information on his podcast Buha's Block, the Los Angeles Lakers have been looking to trade D’Angelo Russell ever since he opted into his contract. That should get the Washington Wizards very intrigued.

This isn’t to say that the Wizards should be desperate to land D’Angelo Russell, but of all of the players they could potentially add in a deal, he’s far from the worst.

D'Angelo Russell-Kyle Kuzma trade could make sense for Wizards and Lakers

The last time Russell landed in a rebuilding situation where he had some freedom was with the Brooklyn Nets all those years ago. He’s not that same player, but he could help Washington’s young core.

Russell is still a quality playmaker and a decent three-point shooter, though he can be very streaky from beyond the arc. Both of those things would be helpful for the Wizards.

This past year, Russell averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists for the Lakers. He shot 45.6% from the floor and 41.5% from behind the three-point line.

Having Russell around for next year would space the floor a bit for the Wizards while also taking a little bit of the playmaking pressure off of rookie Bub Carrington. Russell could also help setup Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George for easier buckets.

Plus, the trade Washington would likely make for Russell would be sending Kyle Kuzma to the Lakers, and they would probably send back a first-round pick in the deal as well, which would be valuable.

But perhaps the best part about a Kuzma-for-Russell swap is that Russell is only under contract for the upcoming season, and then, he will be off the books. That’s ideal for Washington.

As the Wizards look to push forward with their rebuild, having financial freedom will be super helpful, and Kuzma makes a ton of money. He’s a fine player, but he probably doesn’t fit into Washington’s long-term plans.

Bringing in some point guard help in Russell, as well as additional draft capital, would be a win for the Wizards, especially if Russell can help them develop their youngsters for a season.