Earlier this season, rumors of a trade for the Lakers were also rampant. Because of the team's poor record, the management also hopes to be able to make a big move. Previously, the Lakers had hoped to trade Murray for the Hawks, and the main body of the team's trade was Russell, but the Hawks didn't look down on the Lakers' chips.
Perhaps rumored by a trade, Russell wanted to prove himself. Russell has scored over 20 points in each of his last six games and has been on fire in his last eight games. In those eight games, he was able to average 275 points 64 assists and a shooting percentage of 52%+54%, it seems that it is precisely because of the trade rumors that it has fueled Russell's fighting spirit.
As a 15-year star and an All-Star in the Nets, Russell, when he gets serious, he still has the strength. According to the report of American reporter Steam, the Lakers believe that Reaves' position with the Lakers is unshakable, and they are willing to pay Russell + 29 years of first-round pick + a first-round swap right to trade for Murray.
But seeing that Russell's performance is getting better and better, this one seems to have been withdrawn by the Lakers. Many fans have said, why are the Lakers reluctant to trade Reaves and want to trade Russell, who plays better? In fact, to a certain extent, it is also because of the contract between the two parties. Reaves has a contract of 60 million for 4 years, although he is not as eye-catching as Russell. But Russell's contract is larger, and at the same time, if Russell is retained, the Lakers will lose more if he chooses to leave the team in the offseason.
Russell is averaging 17 per game this season1 point 27 rebounds and 61 rebound; Reaves, on the other hand, is averaging 15 per game1 point 41 rebound 52 assists. On the offensive end, both of these performances are more than enough as a starter. But the problem for the Lakers is that the defense on the guard line is too weak, and the team should bring in a 3-and-D player on the guard.