Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terry Rozier, F Gordon Hayward
On the other hand, it’s gotten too easy to criticize Westbrook. It’s worth remembering that this man is a first-ballot Hall of Fame.
The last time the Oklahoma City Thunder were serious contenders, Westbrook was a major part of their attack. Westbrook led the small-market Thunder to the NBA Finals alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Eventually, Harden was traded, and Durant left. Westbrook remained. The Thunder wouldn’t look like serious contenders again, but it was hard to pin that on Westbrook.
After all, he was busy reinventing the triple-double, winning an MVP award in the process.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Unfortunately, when Westbrook declined, he did it rapidly and drastically. It makes sense. This is a player who always leaned into his athleticism, and just as significantly, never had a reliable jump shot.
Perhaps this was always inevitable.
Does this deal fall under the same category for the Lakers?