There is increasing speculation that the Lakers will look to improve their roster by including D'Angelo Russell in some sort of sign-and-trade deal. Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around the Phoenix Suns, and what they might do with Chris Paul.

They might release him, without stretching the $15 mil they still owe him. (Which opens the possibility of him returning on a smaller deal, the Suns using a larger exception, and more.)

They might release him, and stretch him (to open up more flexibility to sign other players).

Or, perhaps, they might try to trade him. Like, maybe as part of a sign-and-trade that includes D'Angelo Russell?

What would that look like? Would it make sense for either team?

The question raises all kinds of questions from the Lakers end. Like, how much do they really value CP3? (They'd owe him $30+ mil, if he's acquired in a trade.) What would it do to the rest of the payroll? How might they be lining up players for the potential end of the LeBron Era? How much control is LeBron exerting over the roster?

And then there's the bigger question - if it doesn't work with Phoenix (and it almost surely doesn't), is there anywhere the Lakers can realistically expect to engineer a quality S/T involving Russell? What might be out there to replace him, and what might it cost to get those dudes? Where does Russell rank on the list of potential free agents (especially when you remove the restricted ones...)

We explore.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Is a sign-and-trade with the Suns involving CP3 and Russell a possibility?

SEGMENT 2: If not Phoenix, how realistic is it the Lakers could S/T Russell anywhere?

SEGMENT 3: What is Russell worth, relative to other free agents? If he goes, who replaces him?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Birddogs

Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed.

PrizePicks

First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON

BetterHelp

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month. 

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices