Six Lakers players that can officially be traded on December 15

admin | December 14, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

On the NBA’s calendar, December 15 is a significant date. Players who were signed by teams as free agents over the summer can now be traded as of December 15. This date provides a lot of opportunities for the Los Angeles Lakers to make roster changes in the future.

Over the summer, the Lakers made a lot of changes, which led to the signing of several free agents. The Lakers no longer need to rush into a trade, but they can now actually trade some of their most movable assets.

Which Lakers players can be traded as of December 15?

In total, there are six players that the Lakers can officially trade as of December 15. All of these players signed new deals with the Lakers over the summer. One is a returning player, while five are fresh faces that just signed in LA.

D’Angelo Russell
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 17: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on November 17, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.
Gabe Vincent

*Oct 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) moves to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at T-Mobile Arena.*

Taurean Prince

Christian Wood

Jaxson Hayes

Cam Reddish

D’Angelo Russell is the most likely player to be traded on this list. The Lakers are reportedly actively shopping Russell already before the December 15 deadline even hits. Because of his salary and the fact that he fits point guard-hungry teams, Russell is not the most immovable player on the roster.

Then there is the tier below Russell. That tier consists of Vincent, Prince, Wood, and Hayes. All of these players could be thrown into a trade for salary reasons and should not sign a long-term lease on their place in Los Angeles. They won’t be outright shopped, but they could be moved.

Cam Reddish is probably the only player safe on this list. Reddish signed a minimum deal and has been very impactful this season for the purple and gold. It wouldn’t make much sense at all for the Lakers to trade him as part of a bigger deal.

Which Lakers players still have trade restrictions?

When it comes to trading players, December 15 isn’t the only date that matters. Another significant date is January 15, and it directly affects two Lakers roster players.

LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 8: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during practice and media availability as part of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament on December 8, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Because they were restricted free agents who were re-signed with Bird Rights, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura cannot be traded before January 15. This has a significant impact on Hachimura (and Russell), but it has little significance for Reaves, who will not be traded.

A Hachimura/Russell bundle has been drifted out more than whatever other potential exchange this season. While Russell is allowed to be exchanged as of December 15, he probably will not be moved until Hachimura is additionally accessible to be exchanged January.

Bumped Vanderbilt additionally has exchange limitations due to the expansion he endorsed before the 2023-24 season. Nonetheless, Vanderbilt’s limitation doesn’t end until after the 2024 exchange cutoff time, implying that he can’t be exchanged during the season.