Some NBA stars shine so bright that they can’t be denied. There’s no question as to whether a team should build around them. The question is – how do they do that? What’s the best way to build around that player?
For a long time, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has been the standard. If a player on James’ roster doesn’t fit with him, you trade that player. James is the priority. That’s how talented he is. James is one of the best players in the history of the NBA.
Traditionally, he’s thrived alongside a shot-creating guard. James can handle the bulk of the playmaking. For what reason, he’s had a lot of success alongside alpha scorers. As it stands, the Lakers don’t have that type of player on their roster.
Could they make a move for Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Los Angles Lakers Land Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G/F Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terry Rozier
LaMelo Ball is one of those stars, too. At least, he’s looked like one throughout most of his NBA career so far. The Hornets seem well aware of that fact. In the 2023 NBA draft, they used the second overall pick to select a player who would complement him.
This was a controversial decision. Most analysts had Scoot Henderson at number two on their big board. The Hornets selected Brandon Miller anyway. They didn’t want to put another ball-dominant guard alongside Ball. How has that decision looked so far?
It’s been interesting. Miller has been fantastic throughout his debut season. By contrast, Henderson has struggled early.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Unfortunately for the Hornets, Ball hasn’t played like someone you make concessions for. Would moving Rozier help him elevate his game to its prior levels?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Perhaps. In all likelihood, Ball is simply dealing with rust. He was injured last year, and in all likelihood, he’s rounding back into form. Ball’s body of work is too promising for Hornets fans to be hitting the panic button.
On the other hand, this team’s performance has been concerning in 2023-24. They just handed the Houston Rockets their first win of the season. If this continues, Charlotte may want to consider turning their attention to the future.
That’s what they’re doing here. Hachimura isn’t a perfect fit for this roster. They already have Miller, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington in terms of wings. That’s fine.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Hachimura can compete with each for rotation minutes, and the Hornets can trade whichever one they’re comfortable parting with. This is about adding assets.
Should the Lakers part with assets for Rozier?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
By contrast, the Lakers have had a fine season so far. We wouldn’t say that it’s been especially strong. Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell has been solid, but he’s not a consistent half-court creator.
That doesn’t mean that the Lakers should replace him. Russell is a dynamic playmaker, and someone has to alleviate James’ load on that end of the floor.
The Lakers don’t need to replace – they simply need to add. This team needs a guard who can create his own shot when the offense breaks down. If that player spaces the floor for the team’s playmakers, that would be a bonus.
We’ve just described Rozier perfectly. The Lakers can spare Hachimura – even before a recent injury, he was a minimal part of the team’s rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Sending him to the Hornets in exchange for Rozier will make them a much stronger team. After all, he’s a player that compliments LeBron James.
