The Los Angeles Lakers made a trade few saw coming, which will be completed Thursday, by sending D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for former All-Star Brook Lopez and the No. 27 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft.
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The move comes as whispers emerged that the Lakers were preparing to try to trade for former All-Star Paul George, securing his final destination in free agency next year with Los Angeles amidst speculation he could play one season and enjoy a new home with the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The move clears cap space for the Lakers, with $48 million remaining on Mozgov's monstrous contract and $54 million total shed. It also gives the Nets a blossoming guard in what is currently a miserable New York situation.
Lopez is a solid fit for the Lakers, who appear closer to win-now mode than any year in recent memory. He fits both the Lakers' ideal system should they keep him, but also stands as a valuable cap filler should the Lakers opt to flip Lopez and his $22 million expiring contract.
And if there was any confusion, it also clears the way for the Lakers to take Lonzo Ball at No. 2 overall Thursday night in the 2017 NBA Draft.
