Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Al Horford, F/C Daniel Theis
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F/C P.J. Washington
Boston Celtics Receive: C/F Anthony Davis
Stop us if you’ve heard this before: the Charlotte Hornets need a center. They ought to like this deal: it lands them two.
Granted, each is more of the small-ball persuasion. Especially Theis: he’s realistically closer to a combo big. Still, Horford is a strong enough rim protector to man the five full-time. This deal would improve the Hornets’ floor balance and defense.
Whether it improves the Los Angeles Lakers is a matter of debate. Unfortunately, injuries have limited Anthony Davis’ availability and productivity for the past two seasons. In making this deal, the Lakers are deciding to cut their losses.
The players they’re receiving ought to be helpful. Washington can man the five spot in small-ball lineups that ought to maximize Westbrook. Meanwhile, Hayward offers secondary playmaking as well as floor-spacing.
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Still, the Lakers would have earned the right to be picky if they’re dealing Davis. Despite his injury concerns, he ought to have solid value. If they don’t like this package either, perhaps they’ll entertain the next one.
