The NBA season is well underway. By now, we’ve got some idea of who each team in the league is. For some teams, that’s bad news. They’ve been disappointing in 2023-24.
The Los Angeles Lakers fit that criteria. Sure, this team is on the playoff bubble. That’s not good enough for the Lakers. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career, the Lakers have got to be better.
At least they’re not the Charlotte Hornets. They’ve been one of the worst teams in the NBA in 2023-24. By now, the Hornets may see 2023-24 as a lost season.
Could they send Terry Rozier to the Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Charlotte Hornets’ Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terry Rozier
These two teams are in vastly different positions. For the Lakers, anything less than title contention is a failure. Yes, they’ve got a much better team than the Hornets. That isn’t the bar for the Lakers.
On the other hand, the Hornets surely hoped to be better than this in 2023-24. They’ve been in the lottery for quite some time. LaMelo Ball is a viable franchise player, and Brandon Miller has had a strong rookie season. The next step for the Hornets is to start winning basketball games regularly.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
How do they get there? This team has talent – it doesn’t seem to be coming together. At some point, the Hornets need to be worried about a trade request from Ball.
Could this deal stave it off?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets made an interesting decision this summer. They had the second overall pick in the draft. Most pundits expected them to select Scoot Henderson, but the Hornets pivoted to Miller. It seemed as if they didn’t want to pair Ball with a ball-dominant point guard.
Here’s the rub: the Hornets already have Ball paired with a ball-dominant guard. The fit between Ball and Rozier has always been questionable. Here, the Hornets are finally breaking that duo up.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
They’re adding a solid young wing to their rotation in the process in Hachimura. The Hornets are also picking up an asset in the Lakers’ lottery-protected 2029 first-rounder.
Should the Lakers give that asset up?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
By contrast, James has a proven ability to play with ball-dominant guards. As long as they can space the floor, they should find their way alongside the King. Rozier is a reliable enough shooter to play with James.
Moreover, James is nearing the end of his career. Ball is still a spring chicken. James needs additional playmaking next to him at this stage of his career. Rozier can create his own shot, and at times, he can set teammates up as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
He’s also a good fit alongside D’Angelo Russell. The pair can play together, but the Lakers could stagger them to keep a playmaker on the floor at all times. This deal should make the Lakers better. At this point in the season, that’s crucial for this organization.
