How And Why The Lakers Should Consider Trading For Gordon Hayward
The Trade
Celtics Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2023 2nd-Round Pick
Lakers Receive: Gordon Hayward
Let’s start this off by taking a look at why the Lakers should look to trade for Hayward this offseason.
Quite simply, adding another perimeter scorer would bode well for the Lakers. James and Davis are a great duo, but Hayward’s ability to shoot the ball and create his own shot would take pressure off of them. He is also a capable playmaker himself.
As Hayward has demonstrated with the Celtics, he does not demand the basketball. He wants to win and be a big part of the winning. Playing with the Lakers would allow him to be the No. 3 scoring option and a lethal spot-up shooter off of passes from James.
It has been rumored that the Lakers want to add more star power. Granted, Hayward isn’t the star that many expected him to be with the Celtics, but this was the first year he has been back to normal since his gruesome ankle injury.
Losing Kuzma and Green would hurt, but it would be worth it to bring in Hayward. The Lakers would easily be able to go out and find veteran role players to replace both of those guys.
Not only would the Lakers be getting a really good player, if things didn’t work out for some reason, they would only be on the hook for one year. On the other hand, if things did work out nicely, they could work to re-sign Hayward next offseason.
Many fans may not like the idea of acquiring Hayward. However, they would be all about the move if he helped James and Davis win championships. He has the mindset to be a great supporting star for two bigger stars.
Expect to see the Lakers get involved in quite a few trade discussions. They are trying to form a “big three” and Gordon Hayward might just be the best fit they can find.