Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier

There was a temptation to include a Kyrie Irving trade here. Recent rumors suggest that he may be due to change addresses this summer.

Ultimately, we went with this Hornets package for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s hard to imagine that the Nets will have any interest in adding Westbrook even if Irving is due for departure via sign-and-trade.

More significantly, it might just be a better deal.

Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier will always report for duty. The same cannot be said for Kyrie Irving. Do the Lakers really want to enter 2022-23 hoping that Irving will be consistently available and that Anthony Davis can stay healthy?

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That feels like too much left to chance for our liking. Adding two high-end starters for the price of an ill-fitting Westbrook feels like a better gamble. If it pays off, it could get the Lakers back to contention.