While the NBA regular season isn't over yet, the Lakers' 21-22 season is over. In the absence of a play-off, it is no surprise that James, Westbrook and Davis will not play in the remaining games. Although the team coach Vogel has not officially left the class, everyone knows that this is his last few games at the helm of the Lakers. Because of James' age and contract, the Lakers apparently don't have more time to get frustrated and rest, and they need to determine plans for the new season as soon as possible, and the starting point of all plans is how to properly handle Westbrook's contract. Earlier yesterday, the authoritative U.S. media reported that wasps were very interested in Westbrook. Today, Brad Turner, a reporter for the Los Angeles times, reported on the details of the potential deal.
It is reported that the Hornets are interested in Westbrook for three main reasons. First of all, Westbrook is the spokesperson for the brand of Wasp owner Michael Jordan, and the two have a good personal relationship. Second, although Westbrook has declined significantly from its peak, as a multi-time All-Star and NBA historical triple-double king, it can still be a mentor for Hornets potential rising star Ramello Ball. Third, the Hornets need to clear enough salary space before next season to renew Miles Bridges, who showed their star potential. Combining these three points, Westbrook is obviously a good choice for the Hornets. According to Brad's report, the Hornets hope the Lakers can take over Hayward's big contract, plus Plumlee's insecure contract with equal salary. After doing so, the Hornets will have a large salary margin before the start of the 22-23 season, and there is hope to try to bring in other stars in the free market in addition to renewing Bridges.
According to the Los Angeles Times' analysis, the probability of the deal happening is very high. After all, for the Lakers, sending Westbrook is a prerequisite for them to regain their fighting power, but the differences between the two teams may arise in specific trading chips. It is reported that the Lakers are likely to ask hornets shooting guard Rozier in this deal. The 26-year-old shooting guard is on a contract of $21.49 million next season, a positive asset at a slight premium considering his good play in recent years. If Westbrook joins the Hornets, the backcourt combination of Rozier, Westbrook and Ball is also slightly bloated. However, it is uncertain whether the Hornets will give up Rozier to make room for salary.
However, if the Lakers can really get Hayward and Rozier in this deal, then their strength in the new season should not be underestimated. Rozier is a more suitable defender for the James combination than Westbrook, and he not only has excellent ball-holding organization, but also has the ability to score with a big heart. Although Hayward has had poor attendance in recent years, he is still a good wing overall, and the characteristics of having a good ball or not allow him to integrate perfectly into the Lakers system. However, the addition of these two players will undoubtedly make the Lakers bear heavier salary pressure, and Jenny Bass's willingness to pay more for the championship has become the key to the deal. Do fans and friends think the Lakers should do this deal? Welcome to discuss and communicate in the comments section!