Potential non-Lakers fits for D'Angelo Russell

After a turbulent first half of last season, the Los Angeles Lakers made several moves at the trade deadline to gear up for a playoff run. One of their most notable acquisitions was that of point guard D'Angelo Russell, who the team selected as No. 2 overall in 2015. 

The early results of Russell's second act in Los Angeles were encouraging, posting 17.4 points and 6.1 assists while amassing a 58.8 effective field goal percentage in 17 games. However, once the postseason began, Russell struggled mightily, only managing 13.3 points and 4.6 assists.

With Russell set to be an unrestricted free agent, the Lakers have an opportunity to move on, and considering his inconsistencies, it would make sense if that was the decision. According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Lakers' "preference" is to either include Russell in a sign-and-trade this summer or re-sign him and use him as a trade chip during the regular season. 

With that in mind, here are three potential fits for Russell should the Lakers decide to part ways with the former All-Star:

Toronto Raptors 

If the Lakers pursue a sign-and-trade involving Russell, All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet would be a realistic target to acquire in such a deal. Per HoopHype's Michael Scotto, VanVleet, an impending free agent, "is expected to command $30-plus million annually," and if the Lakers wish to sign him, they'd need to trade Russell. 

Of course, as an unrestricted free agent, Toronto could simply sign Russell outright if VanVleet goes elsewhere in free agency. Even though the hypothetical loss of VanVleet could give reason to launch a soft rebuild, Raptors vice chairman and president Masai Ujiri hasn't indicated doing so.

Star forward Pascal Siakam, who many teams have attempted to trade for, is reportedly unwilling to sign an extension with another team if he is moved. Siakam is slated to hit free agency next summer, and assuming he re-signs with the Raptors, replacing VanVleet with Russell could help them reach the playoffs for the next few seasons. 

Chicago Bulls 

Like Toronto, Chicago is another team Russell could join in a variety of ways. Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported earlier this month that the Bulls have been "quietly gauging" shooting guard Zach LaVine's trade value. Considering LaVine is represented by LeBron James' close friend Rich Paul's Klutch Sports Group, he's likely on the Lakers' shortlist of potential targets. 

Although if Chicago chooses to run it back with its core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević, Russell would be a logical signing. The Bulls are operating under the expectation that point guard Lonzo Ball, who last played in January 2022, will be out for the entirety of next season. 

Having no quality replacement for Ball, Chicago could do worse than add Russell, as he would allow them to continue hovering around playoff contention. 

Brooklyn Nets

Despite his postseason difficulties, Russell returned to the Lakers at a time when they needed a player of his caliber. A reunion with the Nets, the franchise he was briefly the face of, would be a similar situation with the team set to embark on a new era.

Following a disastrous stint with its "Big Three," Brooklyn is armed with a young roster capable of success but lacks star power, much like the Nets teams Russell played on. Swingman Mikal Bridges emerged as a leader for Brooklyn after being traded from Phoenix, but it remains to be seen whether his impressive figures were primarily due to increased opportunities.

Brooklyn already brought back former Net Spencer Dinwiddie, and while he averaged 9.1 assists with the team, he shot just 40.4% from the field and 28.9% from three-point range. The 30-year-old will be a free agent next offseason, and with an extensive injury history, might not be the wisest long-term investment for the Nets. 

While the Nets intend to compete for a championship with this group, they averaged just 111.4 ppg after the trade deadline, the sixth-worst in the Association since then. If Russell can shoot at the clip he did to end the regular season, he could be the offensive spark plug the Nets desperately need.