The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade hadn't been consummated Tuesday.
The Lakers' new front office led by Magic Johnson has boldly decided to give up on Russell, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, after just two seasons. He averaged 15.6 points and 4.8 assists last year.
The Lakers likely are making the deal to clear the salary cap space eaten up by the four-year, $64 million contract given to Mozgov last summer by the previous front office.