Report: Lakers reach out to Russell's agents to set up meeting

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached out to D'Angelo Russell's agents to set up a free-agent meeting, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.

The development follows news that Kyrie Irving is ready to sign a four-year max contract with Russell's current team, the Brooklyn Nets, when free agency opens on Sunday. That could lead to Brooklyn either renouncing its rights to Russell, or the Nets helping to facilitate a sign-and-trade involving the All-Star guard.

Russell is currently a restricted free agent. He's preparing to meet with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to an earlier report on Sunday, although previous reports have also linked him to a Lakers return.

The Lakers selected Russell second overall in 2015. After butting heads with former head coach Byron Scott, he caused further turmoil by recording and broadcasting teammate Nick Young talking about his involvement with women beyond his girlfriend at the time, musician Iggy Azalea.

The Lakers traded Russell to the Nets in 2017 for Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez. He broke out this past season, finishing as a finalist for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award.