With the end of the 2021-22 regular season, the Lakers, who missed the playoffs, will also focus on the following offseason. For this offseason, the Lakers' main task is undoubtedly to trade or buy out Russell Westbrook's contract.
At present, the Lakers have two options left, which are to buy out and trade the contract of Westbrook, and the promotion of the transaction is definitely the best choice. And it is reported that there seem to be quite a few teams in the league that are interested in Russell Westbrook at the moment:
"I obviously believe the Mark Stein report, so I'll include the Hornets, and I think New York and the original rumors of the deal over Fournier, Kemba and Randall should also be on the list." There's also the Rockets' ability to move the deal forward in salary matching. I think the Rockets, Knicks and Hornets could push for the deal. ”
Considering Westbrook's performance over the past few years, especially this season for the Lakers, coupled with the limitations of that contract, it is estimated that not many teams will be interested in him. However, the advice given by the US media Eddie Bital is that the Hornets can promote the trade with the Lakers in the case of sending Gordon Hayward and Kelly Upbrey Jr.:
The Lakers got: Gordon Hayward, Kelly Upre Jr
The Hornets got: Russell Westbrook, 2027 first-round picks
Such a deal would indeed allow the Lakers to continue to build a more in-depth lineup around James and Davis, but the premise for the deal is that the Lakers need to send out the 2027 first-round picks.
In fact, this is still a very good choice for the Lakers, because sacrificing a future first-round draft pick can continue to build a championship lineup around James and Davis, which should be a move worth trying.