The Los Angeles Lakers are quickly running out of options to salvage what’s left of LeBron James‘ twilight years. At 17-17 on the season, they are not title contenders this year but there is still some hope that they can get there. According to the latest intel, the franchise may consider a last-ditch effort to improve the roster and Gordon Hayward is one name that has surfaced as a potential target.
“I don’t think he is a guy you have to give up a first-rounder for,” the NBA executive said of Hayward. “And that’s what they need. Someone who’s gonna help but not mortgage the future. It’s a desperate move but so what? Look at their record.”
The Lakers have some nice pieces, but not enough shooters. Hayward. certainly isn’t among the elite snipers, but he’s a much better option offensively than Vanderbilt, Reddish, and pretty much every other wing player on the roster not named LeBron. And at 39 years old, how much can the Lakers rely on LeBron to carry the load for them night after night?
Gordon Hayward Is A Game Changer
Hayward, 33, isn’t in the prime of his career. Even so, there is a sense that he could really help the Lakers right now given what he provides. Through 25 games with the Hornets, Gordon is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game on 46% shooting this season and he’s led the way on some impressive wins. Currently, it’s unknown what it would take for Charlotte to part with the veteran wing but the price would not come easy given what else is out there on the market right now.
With OG Anuboby off the market now, and Zach LaVine an ill-advised fit, there isn’t anywhere else to turn but Gordon Hayward, and he could help them stabilize this season after their recent slide. But even with Hayward, the Lakers have other problems to solve and they don’t have a lot of time before their title window closes for good.
Lakers Will Make A Move
In what could be the last dance for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has made it clear that he is invested in immediate results. But after their title run in 2020, the Lakers have struggled to find consistency. It was only last year’s run to the Conference Finals that the Lakers showed any signs of life, and it wasn’t enough to win a single game against the Denver Nuggets. So, it’s no surprise that the Lakers find themselves in rumors once again and it seems like only a matter of time before they make a move.
Besides Hayward, potential trade candidates include DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and even Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma. For now, all the Lakers can do is hold down the fort and do what they can to stop the bleeding but help may be on the way soon, just like it was last year when Pelinka traded Russell Westbrook for a massive haul. If they could rebound after that ordeal, they can certainly come back from this. The only question is, will they have enough in the end to finish the job or will they burn out early… like they did a few months back?
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