Lake Show Life
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Lakers: Fact or fiction on 6 potential Russell Westbrook trade packages

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

3. Sending Russell Westbrook to Charlotte for Gordon Hayward

Marc Stein mentioned the Charlotte Hornets as a team to watch that could potentially trade for Russell Westbrook this summer and there is some potential for a deal to transpire. While some Laker outlets have gotten a bit optimistic in what the team can get in return, there is legs for this trade.

The trade centers around the fact that Gordon Hayward has not been what the Hornets were hoping for and has struggled to stay on the court at times. In theory, the Hornets could trade multiple years of paying Hayward and just get it over with by paying Westbrook for one year. Regardless of if it is Hayward or Westbrook, the Hornets are not doing much next season.

Some fans have gotten optimistic in thinking that the Hornets would package Terry Rozier in the deal to entice the Lakers. That is too much for Charlotte to pay. Let’s stop pretending like Westbrook is an asset that the Hornets want more so than the team potentially just wanting to get off of Hayward.

The package would probably be something along the lines of Westbrook and a lottery-protected future first for Hayword, Mason Plumlee and a 2022 second. Both teams would accomplish what they are looking to accomplish in this deal.

In theory, if he could just stay healthy, Hayward would be the perfect third star to put next to LeBron and AD as someone who can shoot threes as well as cut to the rim both on and off-ball. Westbrook would sell some tickets and then the Hornets would have cap space in 2023.

Verdict: Fact (without Terry Rozier) 

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