Mark Stein reported that the Rockets, Knicks and Hornets could all be Westbrook's next home. On April 12, Beijing time, the US media Fade World posted a new plan for the Westbrook deal: the Lakers sent the 2027 first-round pick and Westbrook, and got hayward and Oubre of the Hornets.
The Lakers have exchanged players who are more suitable for the system
James and Wei Shao are not suitable, they both need the ball in hand, and Wei Shao, who has poor shooting ability, cannot help the Lakers open up space. This season, he's shooting just 29.8 percent from three-point range and as low as 66.7 percent from the free throw line. His turnover rate is also high. The US media believes that in exchange for Hayward and Oubre, it can help the Lakers improve at both ends of the offensive and defensive ends.
Hayward has only played 49 games with injury, but when he's healthy, he can still make a good contribution, averaging 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game, and shooting 39.1% from three-point range. He defends better and shoots more consistently than Westbrook. Especially the three-point shot, which is an immediate upgrade.
Hayward can play as a starter or as a sixth man. And the Warriors' veteran Oubre can make the team structure younger. The 26-year-old Oubre also plays the role of sixth man in the Hornets, averaging 15.1 points and 4 rebounds per game, he is not an elite-level pitcher, shooting 34.5% from three-point range, but he is still more accurate than Westbrook, and the defensive end has a clear advantage.
The 2027 first-round pick is a sacrifice the Lakers must make. With James on this team's roster, they don't need to care at all about what happens in 2027 or 2028. The Lakers desperately need to win in the moment.
Wasps make room for salaries for the future
The Hornets are in no hurry to produce results, and the three-goal is only 20 years old, far from reaching its peak. What they need is to adjust the salary structure for the future layout of the team. The deal would give the Hornets a $47 million expiring contract from Westbrook and a chance to build a squad with enough salary space for Three Goals and Bridges. Next, by the time Westbrook's contract expires, they can have enough room to sign free agents and All-Star stars to help them both.
Wei Shao still has oil, but it is not suitable for the Lakers' system, perhaps in another environment, he can also usher in an outbreak. Wasp boss Jordan has always admired Westbrook, and he should be willing to facilitate such a deal.
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