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Lakers: 3 reasons why LA should have traded for Buddy Hield instead

By Cameron Salce

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 27: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 27, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Suns 110-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 27: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 27, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Suns 110-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Buddy Hield’s salary is much cheaper than Russell Westbrook’s

Making $44,211,146 this season, Russell Westbrook has the third-largest contract in the entire NBA, so it is no surprise that Hield has a cheaper contract than him. What is surprising is how much cheaper he is, Hield’s base salary for this season is $22,477,272, almost half of what Russell Westbrook is making. For the production they both put out, that discrepancy is very questionable.

To make it even worse, Westbrook’s salary goes up next season by $3 million compared to Hield’s that goes down by $2 million next season and goes down $2 million more the year after that. Considering Hield is one of the better volume shooters in the league he will be playing on a bargain contract when he is in the fourth year of his deal in a couple of seasons.

Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are paying Westbrook top-tier superstar money, but so far, they are barely getting starter-level production out of him while James is on the floor. His contract also locks them up for next season as well, making it hard to bring in another difference-maker while he is on his current deal.

If the Lakers would have chosen to make the deal for Hield instead, then they would still have the financial flexibility to add a free agent this upcoming offseason or make a trade for another capable contributor at this year’s deadline with his much more movable contract.

The move for Hield also would have created more money to bring back fan-favorite Caruso who they questionably let walk this offseason. Caruso has already made an impact providing a spark off the bench for the Chicago Bulls this season, and his stellar defense has followed him there, as he is third in the league in steals at the moment.

Sure the Lakers still could have re-signed Caruso after the Westbrook deal, but they might have felt more comfortable to match the Bulls’ offer with more cap space available and fewer roster spots to fill.

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