The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals after a disappointing start to their 2022-23 NBA campaign. With LeBron James still at the helm, making aggressive win-now moves is a must to capitalize.
When the Lakers were dueling with the Denver Nuggets in the WCF, it became apparent that adding another shot creator on the perimeter would be a beneficial idea for Los Angeles to consider. D’Angelo Russell struggled to an extent that it sparked Kyrie Irving speculation.
The Lakers re-signed Russell, but could still benefit from making an upgrade if the opportunity presented itself after he’s eligible to be traded. Could Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets be a match?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Taurean Prince
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terry Rozier
Of course, the Hornets’ decision was surely controversial. How could it not be? As a general rule, teams have regretted drafting for fit over taking the best player available.
If you need proof, look at the Lakers’ LeBron James’ draft class. In many respects, it mirrored this most recent one. There was a generational prospect who’d go first – Victor Wembanyama is widely seen as the most anticipated prospect since James. After that, there was a presumptive second-overall pick who wouldn’t ultimately be selected second.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Detroit Pistons passed on Carmelo Anthony. Instead, they selected Darko Milicic, If you’re a historian of the game, you know the Hornets are hoping their decision to take Miller doesn’t work out the same way. Does this deal help the Hornets set him up for success?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Perhaps. Still, that’s not the driving philosophy behind this deal for Charlotte. More than anything, they’re doing it to save money. Rozier still has a few years left on his deal.
So does Russell, but he makes considerably less. Meanwhile, Prince is on an expiring deal. This is a financial decision for the Hornets. With that said, it could have basketball benefits as well. The Hornets need a backup point guard. At times, Rozier’s ball-dominant brand of scoring has clashed with Ball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Following this deal, the Hornets could keep a strong playmaker on the floor for all 48 minutes, and add a solid 3-and-D wing like Prince. Should the Lakers give so much up for Rozier?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, this is purely a basketball decision for the Lakers. They’re getting the best player in this deal. Moreover, he’s the type of player who’s thrived alongside James before.
We’ve seen him succeed with score-first guards. If you can space the floor and create your own shot, you can thrive in a James-led system. Rozier ticks those boxes. The Lakers can’t make this move immediately. They just extended D’Angelo Russell, so they need to wait until the trade deadline to move him. That’s perfect.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If the Lakers are having a strong season, they may not want to rock the boat. On the other hand, if they’ve got room for improvement, they may benefit from sending the Hornets their new backup point guard.
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