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3 trades for the Los Angeles Lakers to part ways with Russell Westbrook

By Nick Halden

Apr 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates after a 3-point-basket in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates after a 3-point-basket in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball against Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball against Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Gordon Hayward

The Charlotte Hornets made a mistake paying Gordon Hayward like a star and because of it they lack a lot of flexibility to build around LaMelo Ball. LaMelo is a star in this league and Charlotte needs to find a way to build a winning roster around the guard.

Trading their problem in Hayward for the Lakers’ problem in Westbrook brings in a new dynamic and gets them a year closer to major cap flexibility. Taking on Westbrook for a year and attempting to win with a Ball and Westbrook guard tandem would certainly make for must-watch basketball even if the Hornets aren’t a real playoff contender.

For the Lakers, Gordon Hayward is a great secondary scorer who would fit into the Lakers’ system and culture. He is more than capable of knocking down the shots Westbrook couldn’t with the room Davis or LeBron create.

The Lakers need players who are going to help them spread the floor and Hayward is a step in that direction while helping the team part ways with Westbrook. The only downside for the Lakers is what makes this appealing to the Hornets, you trade a one-year problem for a two-year problem.

However, father time will eventually catch LeBron leaving a limited window for the Lakers to chase a title. Hayward might be the best option the team has this offseason if they are going to part ways with Westbrook.

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