LAKERS-NETS TRADE CLEARS ROOM FOR BALL IN L.A.
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to send D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in Thursday’s draft, two people with knowledge of the trade confirmed to USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick. The Lakers, who own the No. 2 pick, are widely expected to take Lon-
zo Ball now that there’s an opening in the backcourt. Mozgov has three years and about $48 million left on his deal, while Lopez’s deal expires next summer ($22 million). Russell has one more season on his deal worth $5.5 million with a team option for $7 million the following season.
u The Atlanta Hawks are trading center Dwight Howard and the 31st pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli and the 41st pick in the draft, two people with knowledge of the trade confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.