Woj reports Lopez to the Lakers from Brooklyn for Mozgov, Russell, 27th pick

The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Brooklyn Nets are sending Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to the Los Angeles Lakers for Timofey Mozgov and and D'Angelo Russell.

Lakers are trading Tim Mozgov and D'Angelo Russell to Nets for Brook Lopez and 27th pick Thursday, sources say.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 20, 2017

This is a surprisingly solid deal for both teams involved, and is likely mainly to clear the books for the infamously bad Mozgov deal from Los Angeles' books with the anticipation of signing marquee free agents over the next two summers. It may also signal the Lakers' intent to sign a point guard, either via the draft or in free agency.

For the Lakers, this is longer-term play to clear space for Paul George and LeBron James pursuit. Lonzo Ball on way at No.2 https://t.co/KxfdEuAUO0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 20, 2017

Lakers shed $54M left on Mozgov deal, Nets get gifted young guard in Russell. Nets needed to flip Lopez expiring contract. https://t.co/KxfdEuAUO0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 20, 2017

Brook may be in the Lakers' long-term plans, but is only under contract for next season, so could be an option to clear space for his new team as much as his old one. It is less clear what role Russell will have next to Jeremy Lin with the Nets, but the move in and of itself will probably have little overall impact on the value of the 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick controlled by the Boston Celtics.

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