Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier
We’ll start with a trade that’s already made its way to the rumor mill. Of any scenario that’s even remotely realistic for the Los Angeles Lakers, this is the best one.
At first glance, it’s hard to imagine why the Hornets would have an interest in Westbrook. It may simply be Michael Jordan’s longstanding love affair with the point guard. A deeper dive suggests there are additional reasons.
They happen to be financial ones. This Hornets core is about to get expensive. Miles Bridges hits restricted free agency this summer. So does P.J. Washington. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball’s supermax is an inevitability worth planning around.
The Hornets are primarily interested in shedding two big contracts in exchange for one massive, expiring one here. Hayward’s deal is a year longer than Westbrook’s, and Rozier’s is three.
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With this trade, the Hornets allow themselves some leeway to navigate the cap. Plus, who knows: maybe Westbrook accepts a role as sixth man and makes a meaningful contribution next season.
This is a no-brainer for the Lakers. Hayward and Rozier are both better fits alongside James. At this point in their careers, they’re probably just better players than Westbrook. This trade should get the Lakers back to playing for the NBA championship next season.
