Los Angeles Lakers Trade D'Angelo Russell to Cleveland Cavaliers for Kevin Love, Draft Picks

Subheadline: The Lakers shake up their roster ahead of the trade deadline with a blockbuster move that brings Kevin Love to Los Angeles.

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In a stunning move, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell to the Cleveland Cavaliers for five-time All-Star forward Kevin Love and a 2023 first-round draft pick, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The trade comes as the Lakers look to bolster their frontcourt and contend for a title, while the Cavaliers get a young and dynamic guard to pair with Darius Garland.

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Russell, 26, is averaging 17.9 points and 6.2 assists per game this season for the Lakers. He was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019 and has been a key part of Los Angeles' success over the past three seasons. However, the Lakers have struggled to find consistency this season and are currently 25-29, ninth in the Western Conference.

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Love, 34, is a four-time NBA champion with the Cavaliers. He is averaging 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season, a decline from his All-Star years. However, he remains a valuable veteran presence and a skilled shooter. The Lakers are hoping that Love can provide them with some much-needed stability and leadership.

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The trade also benefits the Cavaliers, who get a young and talented guard in Russell. Garland has emerged as a star this season, and Russell will give him a dynamic backcourt partner. The Cavaliers are currently 38-21, fourth in the Eastern Conference, and are looking to make a deep playoff run this season.

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The Lakers' trade of Russell is a sign that they are willing to make significant changes to their roster in order to contend for a title. They have been linked to other big names in recent weeks, including Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. It remains to be seen if the Lakers can make another move before the trade deadline, but the acquisition of Love is a significant step in their quest for a championship.