The Los Angeles Lakers are facing limited options in NBA free agency and may need to explore the trade market for a significant roster upgrade. According to a report by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox on July 14, 2024, one potential trade scenario involves the Lakers considering swapping former All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell for Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr.
Knox highlighted that from a financial standpoint, the Lakers could feasibly negotiate a deal with Orlando. The Magic, in need of a guard like Russell, might also be interested in acquiring draft assets. However, there is concern that other teams’ interest could drive Carter’s trade value beyond what Los Angeles is comfortable with.
Carter, who has two seasons left on a team-friendly four-year, $50 million contract, is viewed by some NBA executives as a young player with potential, albeit with injury concerns. One executive, interviewed by Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney on July 10, mentioned that the Lakers are actively monitoring Carter’s availability due to his age, contract situation, and perceived undervaluation.
Carter’s availability has been hindered by injuries in recent seasons, missing significant games for the Magic. Meanwhile, Russell has opted into the final year of his current contract with a substantial $18.6 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season, making him a potentially valuable trade asset for salary-matching purposes, according to a report by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha on June 29.
Buha also noted that despite Russell’s decision to remain in Los Angeles, the Lakers are expected to aggressively pursue trades involving him, especially after failing to make a move before the 2024 trade deadline. Internally, there are doubts about the long-term viability of pairing Russell with Austin Reaves in the Lakers’ backcourt, given Reaves’ youth, defensive skills, and cost-effective contract.
In summary, the Lakers are contemplating trades to enhance their roster amid limited free agency options, with Russell potentially being a key figure in their trade discussions, including the speculated swap for Wendell Carter Jr.
