The Los Angeles Lakers need to do something about their roster going into next season if they are expecting results to change. Role players are certain to come and go while Frank Vogel has already departed. The biggest question mark is about the future of Russell Westbrook, and a trade we predicted a while back, Russell Westbrook to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal involving Gordon Hayward is now being discussed by NBA insiders.
The Hornets could be the ideal location for Westbrook, a young team he can help elevate to the next level while also providing mentorship to their up-and-coming point guard in LaMelo Ball. However, even if they are interested, the Lakers might not be, with Marc Stein explaining that the Los Angeles franchise isn’t too keen on bringing in an injury-prone Hayward.
“The Lakers are unlikely to consent to a Charlotte trade headlined by Gordon Hayward — not after Hayward’s first two seasons in Charlotte have likewise been injury-filled. The Lakers surely understand that they need to factor in durability if they are taking on long-term money, which suggests that Terry Rozier would have to be the Southern California-bound headliner if the Hornets and Lakers eventually progress to serious trade talks.”
Hayward has not played more than 52 games in any of his last 3 seasons and his return from injury has seen him struggle more than may have been anticipated. He is also over 31, meaning it is more than likely that his best years are now behind him.
Having said that, Westbrook’s astronomical salary means it will be very difficult for the Lakers to find the sort of deal that benefits them without question. Moving from Russ would be a bit of a gamble for the team with his value at an all-time low. What happens next is anybody’s guess, and we will see how the situation unfolds moving forward.
