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 

On the other hand, this deal always made sense for the Lakers. That’s because of the senseless deal they’d already made. 

Why did the Lakers acquire Russell Westbrook? This is a question that’s likely to haunt NBA historians for years to come. How could they have expected this to work? 

After all, there’s always been a playbook for building a team around LeBron James. You surround him with shooters.

Yes, he needs a co-star, but that co-star needs to be able to shoot.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates 

That’s about the only ability Russell Westbrook lacks on a basketball court. It just happens to be the one the Lakers need him to have. By now, it’s obvious that these two players cannot co-exist. 

Does this deal bring in the right players for the Lakers?