Lakers Trade News: Did Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell Get Benched on Purpose Amid Zach Lavine Trade Rumors?

The Los Angeles Lakers were looking invincible during the In-Season tournament, however, they could not reciprocate that performance level in the regular season. Not only did they win the inaugural NBA Cup, but they were also annihilating every team in their way. Due to that, everyone expected the City of Angels to keep that momentum going. However, that was not the case.

Currently, they are 10th in the Western Conference standings with 17 wins and 18 losses. Even in their recent matches against the Heat, two of their bright stars were benched even though they were fit, which raised some speculations among some NBA analysts. Are the Lakers benching their stars just so that they can make a blockbuster trade deal?

Do the Lakers have ulterior motives for benching their stars?

The LA Lakers suffered a loss against the Magic City even with the great performances of Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. But looking at their roster going into the match, fans and analysts were wondering where were Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell. Coming up with a theory, Gilbert Arenas on his podcast said, “I think they are getting ready to trade. Because of the fact that you didn’t play Rui or DLo, lets us know you are shelving them probably to make a move.”

He further added that they are trying to make some type of trade to bring in some shooter to their squad because the Lakers are benching players who should be playing and aiding their team to victory. However, countering Areans’ theory, former football legend Shannon Sharpe had an interesting take on shelving a player you want to trade. He said, “If I’m getting ready to sell my car, I will clean it up. I thought to add value or increase the value of Rui or DLo wouldn’t you like get these guys and tell them to give us something.” 

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To that, Areans explained how the Lakers have already established the value of Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell and how they played Jared Vanderbilt against the Heat to set his value. LA is trying to show that Vanderbilt is healthy and injury-free due to which even he can be an addition to a speculated “blockbuster deal” the Lakers are looking for. And recently the trade rumors in which the City of Angels is heavily involved are with the Chicago Bulls star Zach Lavine. So is this all a way to get him to the purple and gold?

Why do the Lakers want Zach Lavine?

As the trade deadline approaches, the 17x NBA champions want a player with speed and agility to improve their transition game, and their main target for that is the 2x All-Star Zach Lavine. LaVine matches this description wonderfully, displaying tremendous offensive talent, attacking the rim with power, and shooting 38% from beyond the arc throughout his career. While his offensive skills might considerably improve any team’s performance, his injury history and defensive failings remain worrisome.

However, as he is set to return soon, the Lakers will pay close attention to his injury specifics. LaVine’s contract has two guaranteed years remaining after this season, at around $43 million and $46 million, respectively, with a player option for the 2026-27 season worth just under $49 million. So, as the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers have to choose either restructuring their team or damaging their chances of making it to the playoffs.

What do you think is the Lakers’ next move? Let us know in the comments below.

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