As the NBA trade deadline nears, the Charlotte Hornets could be sellers, and the Los Angeles Lakers have already shown to be buyers.
Whether the Lakers like it or not, they are in an urgent position to contend if they want to make the most of having LeBron James at the end of his NBA career.
James can’t be traded midseason after signing a contract extension, so the situation is stuck without a midseason move to improve the roster.
Can the Lakers make a marginal move using Russell Westbrook’s contract to improve around James? If they have a deal out there, it’s worth considering.
The Charlotte Hornets may have some veteran options that are worth considering, especially when considering they should be logical sellers at the midseason deadline with one of the NBA’s worst records.
Terry Rozier stands out as an intriguing potential trade target for the Lakers. He is a volume scorer who can create with the basketball and play off-ball. He competes defensively, too.
Could these two underwhelming squads make a deal this season?