D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
The early reporting around the Los Angeles Lakers is that they're going to take a patient approach heading into the NBA Trade Deadline. That's probably the smartest course of action for them at this point. However, if the Lakers do make a splash move, D'Angelo Russell almost has to be involved in one way or another due to salary cap implications. On December 15, Russell becomes trade-eligible for the Lakers.
Russell hasn't been a bad player for the Lakers this season but more often than not, he's too much of a liability on the defensive end of the floor. As we saw in the postseason last year, Russell became practically unplayable against offensive-minded point guards. If the Lakers are going to take a step forward by making a big move at the trade deadline, that likely means the end of Russell in Los Angeles.
Over the next few weeks, the NBA Trade rumor mill should truly heat up. And with another slate of trade candidates officially eligible (December 15) to be included in trade discussions, it should definitely push the narratives forward.