Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Los Angeles Lakers most likely to be traded in 2017

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:07 p.m. ET

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D'Angelo Russell

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Following the recent comments of Magic Johnson, it seems very possible that the Los Angeles Lakers will be making a trade or two in the coming months.

When Magic Johnson took control of the Los Angeles Lakers' future back in February, we all knew big changes were on the horizon. While it's unclear if the coming changes will signal a bright new era for one of the NBA's most storied franchises, it'll be interesting to watch it all unfold.

Magic hasn't been shy about dropping hints on his possible plans for the team. In fact, on Thursday, he fanned the flames by saying that just about every player on the roster could be had via trade — except for one. While doing a radio interview on ESPN Los Angeles, Johnson had this to say about the Lakers' untouchables:

"I would say probably the only player that we would say, hey, we would probably not move is Brandon Ingram."

That essentially means this team is open for business. While that wouldn't necessarily come as a surprise, it does prove that Magic isn't afraid to make a deal this offseason. We know he's willing to do whatever it takes to return this franchise to relevance. But is he willing to ship off his top players if he believes it gets them closer to contender status?

I guess we'll have to wait and see if an actual deal comes to fruition. While we wait, though, it seems reasonable to speculate on which players are the most likely to be playing elsewhere in 2017-18.

That's why I've put together this list. It's obviously based mostly on the rumors we've heard so far, but there's no denying that these five players could all be on the move this offseason.

With that in mind, here are the five Lakers I believe stand the best chances of getting traded in 2017. Take it with a grain a salt, though. Just because they have the best odds, doesn't necessarily means the odds are high. Keep that in mind and you'll do just fine.

Los Angeles Lakers

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5. Timofey Mozgov

I want to start this off by saying I don't foresee the Lakers dealing Timofey Mozgov this offseason. That, however, won't be for a lack of effort. The problem is that there just aren't going to be any teams willing to take on that type of contract for an average (at best) center.

Mozgov's deal still has three years remaining that pays him an average of $16 million. That's an absurd number, even for the standard contracts of today's NBA. The signing received a lot of criticism when it was first announced, and it came under even more fire after Mozgov's underwhelming performance during his first year in Los Angeles.

In Year 1, the Russia native finished with per-game averages of 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.6 blocks. I'd say it was a disappointing performance from Mozgov, but it wasn't completely unexpected. He was already coming off a lackluster season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was never really an upper-echelon center.

Regardless, Magic will make every effort to unload him this offseason. The Lakers have an intriguing prospect in Ivica Zubac who flashed starter potential as a rookie. Tarik Black could also be brought back, although don't be surprised if he isn't. Los Angeles could also look to nab a big man with the No. 28 overall pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.

Chances aren't overwhelming high, but maybe the Lakers find a taker for Mozgov if it helps facilitate some blockbuster trade this offseason.

Los Angeles Lakers

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4. Luol Deng

Deng is in a similar situation to that of Mozgov. He's an underwhelming, overpaid player who is coming off a subpar 2016-17 campaign. To make matters worse, he recently underwent surgery on his pectoral muscle and was shutdown by the Lakers before this past season was even over.

At 32 years old, Deng's best basketball is well behind him. Yet, for some reason, the Lakers decided he was worth $18 million per year last offseason. It's another perfect example of Jim Buss' ineptitude as the shot-caller, and likely helped Jeanie Buss make the midseason decision to overhaul the front office.

His numbers weren't much better than Mozgov's this past year. He finished the season with per-game averages of 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.9 steals. Deng also managed a career-worst 38.7 percent from the field, only strengthening the belief that he's long past his days of being an effective offensive presence.

Like Mozgov, every effort will be made to unload Deng's contract in the coming months. While I wouldn't hold my breath that a deal is struck, you never know what can happen. Maybe the Lakers convince some team to take him off their hands as part of a deal that also includes some younger assets.

Signing Paul George next offseason isn't going to be easy unless Magic finds more cap space. Parting with Deng and his $18 million annually would be a great start.

Los Angeles Lakers

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3. Julius Randle

Right now, it appears the Lakers are open for business if the right opportunity arises. Magic claimed that only Ingram is untouchable, which means that Julius Randle could be had for the right price. My guess is there would definitely be some interested parties out there.

Realistically, Randle possesses all the potential in the world. While his development hasn't quite stayed on pace with what Los Angeles was hoping for, he showed significant improvement during what was essentially his sophomore 2016-17 campaign. Will he ever take that next step as a part of the Lakers, though?

Maybe a better supporting cast would help Randle reach his full potential. While I wouldn't say the Lakers could never eventually give him that, I still believe he's a very real candidate to be traded this offseason. It's not like Los Angeles has a ton of top trade options heading into this offseason that aren't named Ingram.

Even if his development slows, Randle is still a plus power forward who can be a starter for the next decade. He's still got another year under his rookie contract before restricted free agency, at which point a big-money deal will likely come from one team or another. Can the Lakers really afford to overspend to keep Randle in Los Angeles, especially if his progress slows?

The former Kentucky star still has room to grow. Maybe that upside will be enough to convince some team to make a big deal to pry him from the Lakers' grasp.

Los Angeles Lakers

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2. Larry Nance Jr.

If Randle isn't the one to go, maybe it'll be Larry Nance Jr. He's an underrated asset for the Lakers, and would likely be a starter for several NBA teams. Maybe he's the type of low-cost trade piece that gets a deal done in the next few months.

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Since the Lakers made Nance a late first round pick back in 2015, he's done nothing more than shine. Although limited to a bench role due to the presence of Randle, he routinely turns heads with his explosive athleticism, sneaky defense and highlight reel dunks. The key here is that he keeps getting better year after year.

Eventually, he's going to get tired of playing in a semi-reduced role. While it wouldn't be ideal for the Lakers and him to part ways, it may be the best for both parties. Nance could be used to strike a deal for a superstar, while sending him to a team that could make better use of his natural abilities.

Especially with several cheap years still left on his contract, he's an intriguing trade chip. Nance offers starting potential, and won't cost an arm and a leg to keep around. I can't imagine him not piquing other teams' interests when/if trade discussions get under way this offseason.

The Lakers got a steal when they spent the No. 27 overall pick on Nance two years ago. Now may be the right opportunity for them to cash in on his potential.

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1. D'Angelo Russell, PG

This one was pretty obvious, right?

Since the Lakers secured the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, there's been heavy speculation about D'Angelo Russell's future. With Los Angeles likely to draft one of the star point guards atop this year's class, it seems like Russell could soon be deemed a redundant talent.

That's why rumors immediately began cropping up that other teams were putting together potential trade packages for the 2015 No. 2 overall selection. He's obviously an exciting young talent with plenty more ground to gain in his development. Would the Lakers really be that willing to send him packing after only two years, though?

Based on Magic's comments, the answer is a resounding yes. That's why he tops this list as the most likely player to get traded this offseason.

Apart from Ingram, Russell likely possesses the most value on the trade market. He plays the modern NBA's most important position, and offers an exciting mix of traits. On top of that, he's under contract for a couple more years at a modest price and is only 21 years old. At this point, I'm sure any point guard-hungry team would love to bring him aboard.

So don't be surprised to see Russell get dealt during or after the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft. It's not the way we want to see his time in Hollywood end, but it may just be the move that helps the Lakers land the superstar that gets them back into the playoffs.