Report: Lakers trading Russell, Mozgov to Nets for Lopez, 27th pick
It's not a move to acquire Paul George (just yet), but the Los Angeles Lakers are already making plenty of noise ahead of Thursday's NBA draft.
The Lakers are trading guard D'Angelo Russell and big man Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for center Brook Lopez and the No. 27 pick, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Barring more moves, Los Angeles will now pick at No. 2, 27, and 28 in the first round Thursday night.
By unloading Mozgov's gargantuan contract, the Lakers will also shed $54 million in owed salary over the next three years, including $17.2 million in 2017-18. He was shut down near the tail end of the season in order to free up playing time for the younger talent on the roster like Ivica Zubac.
Lopez has just one year left on his deal, worth $22.6 million, which will create even more cap space for the Lakers next summer when they're expected to be the heavy favorite to land George, should he not be traded for ahead of time.
The 7-foot Lopez spent nine seasons competing for the Nets, and ends his tenure with the franchise as its all-time leader in both points and blocks, while ranking third in rebounds.
Russell was the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, and averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 63 appearances this past season for the 26-56 Lakers. Brooklyn had reportedly been targeting the Ohio State product, viewing him as a cornerstone piece to pair with Caris LeVert in the backcourt.