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The perfect Terry Rozier-Russell Westbrook trade package for the Lakers

By Jason Reed

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts from the bench following a basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center on October 10, 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 - OCTOBER 10: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts from the bench following a basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center on October 10, 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Why the Lakers could say yes to this Terry Rozier trade:

Obviously, the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers making this trade would be to get Russell Westbrook off of the roster. But there are other potential trade packages out there (like a Buddy Hield/Myles Turner deal), so the question becomes why this package over those.

As far as the Pacers’ deal is concerned, the Lakers may be cautious to make that trade with Myles Turner’s injury problems. Turner has not been the healthiest big man and the team already is dealing with an injury-prone big in Anthony Davis.

Los Angeles is decent enough at center and if they like Turner, they could sign him next summer to complement Rozier in the starting lineup instead of potentially trading for him and Hield. That deal is still very intriguing, but there are reasons for LA to be concerned.

As far as Rozier goes, he would add a dynamic third scorer to the Lakers roster that can instantly become the team’s biggest weapon from three. Since joining the Hornets, Rozier is shooting 38.8% from three on 7.7 attempts per game.

While he is undersized, he is a better defender than Buddy Hield as well, which might be another reason for the Lakers to prefer Rozier over Hield.

Rozier would add to the logjam at guard but the team is adding wing depth as well in Kelly Oubre Jr, who is on an expiring deal and could be a valuable three-and-D player for the team. Mason Plumlee is thrown in the deal for money reasons but could provide an upgrade at center as a traditional five for the Lakers to utilize.

Fans might be scared of Rozier’s contract as he has four years left on his deal but for how he plays and how NBA contracts are handed out, his contract has good value. His cap hit never gets higher than $25 million and with new TV rights around the corner, role players are going to be getting salaries close to $30 million. This is a great deal.

If the Lakers like Rozier then they should spend the $23.5 million in cap space next year for him instead of using that cap space on two mediocre role players.

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