Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier, F Kelly Oubre Jr., C Mason Plumlee, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F/C Anthony Davis
Did you want bold? Let’s get bold, italicized, and underlined. This blockbuster would break the internet twice over.
It might make sense for both sides. The Hornets allegedly have an interest in Westbrook. It may be that they have an interest in his expiring contract. Either way, this lands him in Charlotte.
If the Hornets are trying to clear cap space, taking on Davis is suboptimal. This still improves their bottom line. They’re getting off two long-term, big-money deals in Hayward and Rozier to take on one long-term, big-money deal. Plus, they have a pressing need at center. If Davis works out for them, they may solidify a core of him, LaMelo Ball, and Miles Bridges moving forward.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Wild Trade Swaps Warriors’ Klay Thompson And Lakers’ Anthony Davis
As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they’re basically overhauling the whole team. After 2021-22, that feels like an appropriate course of action. If LeBron James maintains his 2021-22 level of production, surrounding him with the cast of quality players the Lakers are receiving here should put them back in contention.
It would be crazy. So crazy, in fact, that it just might work.
