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Lakers: Building a Russell Westbrook trade package to the Hornets

By Jason Reed

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks over the court as he is guarded by LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks over the court as he is guarded by LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Why the Charlotte Hornets could say yes:

There is already two points guards in Charlotte that play a fair amount in LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier, so it may not make sense for the Hornets to add another point guard. This is not a play for the 2022-23 season and instead is a multi-year play for Charlotte.

It would be a bit of a wonky fit but with positionless basketball in 2022 the Hornets could make a three-guard lineup work and at the very least Westbrook would elevate that floor of the Hornets and sell some tickets. When is the last time that the Hornets had a true superstar?

Westbrook may no longer play like a superstar but he is still one of the 7-10 most recognizable players in the league and you know that he would sell tickets in Charlotte. Michael Jordan is a savvy business man if the team is going to go 40-42 anyways why not add Westbrook?

The real reason to say yes to this trade is getting off of Hayward’s contract. While Hayward could still produce in the right fit, he has not really elevated the Hornets, who are paying him to be the team’s best player.

Charlotte can essentially flip two more years of Hayward for an expiring contract in Westbrook, opening cap space for the team to spend in the 2023 summer as they look to bolster the young roster.

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Oh, and they get a future asset in return for a player that they probably want to pivot off of anyway. It makes sense for Charlotte in that regard.

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