Lakers Rumors: Latest Trade Talk, Free-Agency and Predraft Buzz for Los Angeles

The 2016 offseason needs to be a big one if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to return to respectability under new head coach Luke Walton. 

Not a big offseason as in the "swing for the fences" moves that are always bandied about when it comes to L.A., but one with several smart choices that rebuild a roster in desperate need of retooling. 

Of course, that all starts with the 2016 NBA draft on Thursday night when the Lakers go on the clock with the No. 2 pick. What they decide to do with that pick, who they decide to trade (or keep) and who they will target in free agency this offseason will go a long way in determining what the team will look like down the road. 

Here's a look at the latest buzz on the moves the Lakers will make (or not make) in the coming days. 

 

D'Angelo Russell Staying Put



In the end, it doesn't appear as though D'Angelo Russell will be leaving L.A as a result of the Nick Young video. 

ESPN's Chad Ford initially reported on SportsCenter (via CBS Sports' James Herbert) that the Lakers could pursue an additional top-five pick in the draft by dealing guard D'Angelo Russell because he has "burned some bridges in the locker room."

Without dismissing the idea of team chemistry, this would be a questionable move by Los Angeles. At just 20 years old, Russell is one of the few assets the team has to build around, and he flashed potential in his rookie campaign. He averaged 13.2 points per game and finished with a 13.2 player efficiency rating despite receiving inconsistent minutes from then-head coach Byron Scott, per Basketball-Reference.com. 

Fortunately for the Lakers, it appears as though rumors about Russell's departure are unfounded. General manager Mitch Kupchak has assured Russell that the organization believes in him and won't be moving him, according to Serena Winters of ...

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