D'Angelo Russell was mentioned in numerous trade rumors on Thursday after Hoop Critic mentioned that the Los Angeles Lakers have placed the rookie guard on trading block.

Brian Geltzeiler of Hoop Critic stirred talks about the possible trade involving Russell, who is the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Geltzeiler said that the Lakers made the former Ohio State standout "available" in trade talks.

"In taking to people around the league on who has been made available in trade talks a very surprising name has come up: DeAngelo Russell," Geltzeiler posted on Twitter.

The Twitter update stirred negative reactions online, with most analysts saying that the report should be taken with a grain of salt despite the fact that Lakers coach Byron Scott has criticized Russell several times this season.

Mark Medina of Los Angeles Daily News hit the update, pointing out the mistake in Russell's name.

Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated also reported that the Lakers are not shopping Russell. Fischer added that the Lakers view Russell and sophomore guard Jordan Clarkson as their backcourt of the future.

Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders also reiterated that Lakers fans should take the news lightly.

Earlier in the season, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak admitted that they are talking to teams about a possible deal before the trade deadline on Feb. 18. However, Kupchak specified that they are not looking to part ways with their young players despite strong interests in them.

"We have to be careful with what we do," Kupchak said via Silver Screen and Roll. "Most of the teams that would have interest in our players would have interest in our young players and we covet our young players pretty highly right now. So it would be tough for us to move a young player."

Scott also said in a recent interview with OC Register that Russell, who is averaging 12.0 points on top of 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season, will eventually start for the Lakers again this season similar to what they did to Clarkson in the latter part of the 2014-15 season.

"I think it's important because we want to see him against these top-tier guys again," Scott said of Russell. "A little bit like Jordan last year, when he faced Chris Paul the first time, and some of these guys the second time, he fared better. I want to see how D'Angelo reacts the second time around against some of these guys as well."