Charlotte Hornets Go Into Tank Mode

Charlotte Hornets Receive:  G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

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

Like the Utah Jazz, the Charlotte Hornets surely know they won’t be in the running for a title this year. On the other hand, they don’t have as obvious an incentive to lose, either. 

After all, the Hornets have LaMelo Ball. That puts them ahead of an organization like the Jazz – they already have a franchise player. Moreover, they’d probably like to avoid making him angry with another losing season. 

At the same time, if the reward is Victor Wembanyama, it could be worth it in the long run. In fact, the same holds true for several prospects in the upcoming draft. The Hornets could tank just one more season, and it could pay dividends in the near future. 

Of course, the Lakers don’t have that luxury. They don’t own their first-round pick in 2022. With that in mind, this is a great deal for them.

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They’re getting two players who can both create their own offense and space the floor for James. All told, this deal should give them a more dynamic offense this season. 

For that matter, so should this next deal.