Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F/C P.J. Washington, G James Bouknight, No. 13 Pick In 2022 NBA Draft, No. 15 Pick In 2022 NBA Draft
To make a deal for Anthony Davis, the Charlotte Hornets are going to need to use one of the bigger salaries on the team to help match money. In this scenario, it is Gordon Hayward that is used.
Hayward, on paper, is a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Lakers. The offense can be run through him for stretches of time, is an excellent secondary playmaker and solid scoring option. He is also a willing and versatile defender. But, injuries are a big red flag for him.
At the very least, the Lakers will get a consistent 3-point shooter, something they need more of. But, the risk of taking on Hayward is baked into the trade package. While Davis has injury concerns of his own, when healthy, he is an All-NBA performer; Hayward isn’t at that level.
So, the Hornets include P.J. Washington, a versatile big man that can also step out on the perimeter with success. James Bouknight gives the Lakers a potential young building block, as he will have an avenue to playing time that wasn’t available with the Hornets.
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The two first-round picks will give Los Angeles some maneuverability this offseason. They can add two young players to the mix to extend the rotation or use them as sweeteners in a trade package to bring in more help.
