The Lakers in exchange for Wei Shao to form the big three in the championship, did not expect the final result is that the playoffs did not go in, although Wei Shao's performance in the playoffs has been criticized, but he is the guarantee of the lower limit of the team, this season is his first time since the 2014-15 season did not qualify for the playoffs, but also the third time in his career 14 years did not qualify for the playoffs, said that Wei Shao did not integrate into the Lakers system, in fact, the Lakers' problem is definitely not caused by Wei Shao, no matter what, James and Davis are won the championship together, So the Lakers want to change, the only way is to send away Wei Shao.
This season, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 boards, 7.1 assists, shooting 44.4%, compared to the peak of the sharp decline, the performance on the court did not meet expectations, became after Schroeder, another point guard who lost his value, and his salary next season reached 47.06 million, it is still very difficult to send him away, in the middle of the season, it was revealed that the Rockets can accept the exchange of Wall and Westbrook, but the Lakers took the first round of the 27-year signing, because Wall also carries a large contract, Another season without a game, and finally lost because the Lakers were reluctant to send the first round.
According to reporter Marc Stein, alliance insiders increasingly mention that the Wasp may be one of Westbrook's potential next home, and Jordan has always admired Westbrook.
As soon as the news came out, the Lakers sent Westbrook to a turnaround, although the Hornets did not completely break away from the playoffs this season, but also struggled in the playoffs, the team's record at the beginning of the season was still good, as the season progressed, they did not continue to be strong, one of the biggest problems was hayward suffered from injury again, before he was injured, the team won 26-20, the winning rate was 56.5%, after his injury, the team won 14-19, the winning rate was only 44.1%.
Hayward was named an All-Star in the 16-17 season. Peak average 21.9 points 5.4 board 3.5 assists, as a small forward, Hayward played elegantly, the offensive means are very rich, in 2020 and the Hornets signed a 4-year 120 million big contract, when Hayward was on the court The Hornets attacked and defended at both ends are stable, but his biggest problem is that his body is too brittle, every season due to various injuries to miss the game, the 2 years of playing for the Hornets have only appeared in a total of 93 games, at this point, Westbrook is particularly prominent, his career has always been a " Labor Model", he has only missed 1 game this season in case the team missed the playoffs, and if the Hornets want to get Westbrook, Hayward will be the biggest chip.
Hayward's salary alone still can't match Westbrook,The Hornets also need to join other players, the most likely of which is Rozier, Rozier has averaged 19.3 points, 4.3 boards and 4.4 assists this season, shooting 44.1% from the field, 37.4% from three-point range, averaging 3 shots per game, is the team's three-point king, he completed a four-year, $97 million early renewal with the team in the offseason, with his performance worthy of his salary, but he is a small guard, limited defensive ability, And the team's front line Bridges ushered in a big explosion this season, averaging 20.3 points per game, 7 boards and 3.8 assists, shooting 49.2% from the field, the team wants to keep him, the annual salary of the new contract is at least 20 million, and the future will be the maximum salary to renew the "three-goal" Ball, which needs to make enough space, and Westbrook only has to expire next year's contract, which is very suitable for the operation of the Hornets.
Lakers, as long as James is there, the team can not be rebuilt, not to mention that Davis just signed a 5-year maximum salary with the team, for the Lakers, they are not afraid of long-term contracts, and do not need to cultivate rookies, that is, the combat strength is the most critical, but with Wei Shao for Hayward + Rozier, the Hornets are still at a loss, the Lakers want to reach a deal, sending the first round of 27 years may be essential, replacing Wei Shao to get an average of 20 points per game guard and All-Star forward, it is definitely worth trying, Rozier and Hayward can help the team open up space, very suitable for partnerIng Davis, both of them also have good breakthrough lethality, and the organizational side can also share the pressure on James, believing that if it is reached, it will be a win-win cooperation.