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

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

New Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham has said all the right things since he was hired. Specifically, he’s looked excited to coach Russell Westbrook.

Of course he has. If Ham had come out and said “Westbrook doesn’t fit with this roster. I hope we can trade him”, it would have initiated a media firestorm. That doesn’t change the fact that if the Lakers can find value for Westbrook this summer, they have to pounce on the opportunity.

The Charlotte Hornets may be in a unique position to offer it to them. Again, clearing cap space is extremely important for this club. With this deal, they flip two high-paid veterans for an expiring contract and a first-round pick.

It’s hard to say what they might do about Westbrook. The Hornets could buy him out, sit him for the year, or (believe it or not) actually play him. If Westbrook was willing to accept a sixth-man role, he could actually be valuable to the Hornets in 2022-23.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Lakers Trade Sends Gordon Hayward To Los Angeles

If he isn’t, his days in the NBA may be numbered no matter what jersey he’s wearing next season.