Lakers ship Russell to Nets, making room for Ball at point?
LOS ANGELES » Three people with knowledge of the deal say the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade point guard D’Angelo Russell and high-priced center Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for big man Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the trade hadn’t been consummated.
The Lakers’ new front office led by Magic Johnson has boldly decided to give up on Russell, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, after just two years. He averaged 15.6 points and 4.8 assists last season while Los Angeles struggled to its fourth consecutive losing record.
The deal all but confirms Los Angeles will select UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the draft Thursday, adding the gifted playmaker to run coach Luke Walton’s up-tempo offense.
The Lakers also appear to be sacrificing Russell to clear the salary cap space eaten up by the final three seasons of the four-year, $64 million contract given to Mozgov by the previous front office.
If the Lakers continue to create salary cap room with other moves, they could be an attractive landing spot for free agents next season with the flexibility to offer two enormous contracts — perhaps even maximum deals. Although the moves likely would require further abandonment of their rebuild around youth, Los Angeles also would still have wing scorer Brandon Ingram and Ball, the last two No. 2 picks in the draft.
The NBA-worst Nets will get a clear talent in Russell, who showed flashes of greatness on a pair of lousy teams. Russell also struggled in stretches, but remained a dangerous scorer and improved his playmaking in Walton’s rookie coaching season.
Lopez will return to his native California after spending his entire nine-year NBA career with the Nets. He has just one season left on his contract at $22.6 million, but the 7-footer also has a 3-point shooting acumen that could fit in well with the Lakers.
The deal also gives three firstround picks on Thursday to the Lakers, who acquired the 28th overall pick during the season from Houston.
Also: Hawks send Howard to Hornets
ATLANTA » A person familiar with the situation says the Charlotte Hornets have reached an agreement to acquire center Dwight Howard from the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks are sending Howard and the No. 31 overall pick in Thursday’s draft to Charlotte for center Miles Plumlee, shooting guard Marco Belinelli and the 41st pick, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Howard will be playing for his third team in three seasons following a disappointing homecoming in Atlanta. Howard signed a three-year, $70.5 million deal with Atlanta and then sat out the fourth quarter in two of six playoff games in the Hawks’ first-round loss to Washington. • Pau Gasol has declined the option on his contract for next season with the Spurs, but it’s doubtful he’s going anywhere. Gasol declined the $16 million option with the intent of signing a longer-term deal with the Spurs so the franchise can gain some flexibility to hit the free agent market, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. CHICAGO » Dwyane Wade has told the Bulls he is exercising his $23.8 million option and will remain with them next season, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.