Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier
The last trade was aimed at maximizing Russell Westbrook’s abilities. This one sees him move on from the Los Angeles Lakers entirely.
Realistically, the Charlotte Hornets wouldn’t be landing him for his abilities. They’d be landing him for his expiring contract. This club is likely going to pay Miles Bridges as a Restricted Free Agent this summer. They’ll be re-upping LaMelo Ball on what will be a lucrative rookie extension soon after. Their core is about to get expensive, and they may look to cut costs this summer.
It’s hard to say just what they’d do with Westbrook. They could try to use him as a sixth man. Alternatively, they could buy him out. Finally, they could just sit him for the year, although admittedly, that’s a less appealing option for fans of the game.
Regardless, Westbrook wouldn’t be the Lakers’ problem anymore. Instead, they’d be adding two useful rotation players in Hayward and Rozier. Undeniably, this trade would make them better in 2022-23.
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If everything came together nicely, it could make them contenders for the NBA championship once again.
