Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell still searching for rhythm

But with only a couple of weeks away from the National Basketball Association trade deadline and the Lakers becoming one of the worst teams in the league this season, the atmosphere in LA quickly changed.

The Los Angeles Lakers are rumoured to have made one of their young guns available in the trade season. If the Lakers were to be involved in such trade talks, it would probably be for the interest of sending expiring contracts and clearing cap room to have flexibility in this summer’s free agency.

Smith said during a radio appearance with ESPN 710’s Mason and Ireland in LA this weekend that both Durant AND Russell Westbrook might end up on the Lakers together two summers from now.

All quotes transcribed via Time Warner Cable Sportsnet.

Now it certainly looked like the Lakers front office regretted picking the young guard from Ohio State instead of Jahlil Okafor (picked third by the 76ers), perhaps the very reason why they’re making him available in the trade market.

While the Lakers probably aren’t seriously looking to deal the 19-year-old, it’s still surprising that the team doesn’t consider Russell an “untouchable” player who isn’t available for any trades.

Back in December 2015, the Lakers management made a decision to put Russell and Julius Randle on the sixth man position.

The Knicks have been all around the rumour mill as they continue to address their point guard issues. Despite being this year’s No. 2 overall selection and playing for the worst team in the Western Conference (9-39), Russell is averaging a mere 26.9 minutes per game and is stuck behind Lou Williams, Kobe Bryant and Anthony Brown in the rotation. “LeBron still gets criticism, Jesus still gets criticized, so I have to do something better”. Russell will no doubt keep getting criticized until he reaches his full potential but this seems to be something he is willing to accept. Which is an attitude that should help him become a better player in the long run.

It would be hard to imagine that the Lakers would quickly blow out their roster full of young talents, who could play a big role in attracting top free agents in the market. “So when I play, I’m playing for myself but I’m playing for my family too”.