There are a lot of new face teams in the playoffs, which means that some of the old teams are out, including the Lakers, as the 2020 championship team, the 2-year decline is really unexpected, and the Pacers in the East, a perennial playoff team, is also once again missed. The Hornets played the play-offs for 2 consecutive years and the results were all out.
These 3 teams need to be reinvigorated, and the US media FW suggested that they make a big deal around Westbrook to make a big deal for 3 teams and 8 players: the Lakers will send the first round pick again, and the dark horse in the East will rise
The potential scenarios are:
The Lakers get Brogdon and Rozier
The Hornets were named Westbrook, Turner and the 2027 first-round pick
Pacers scored Hayward, P.J. Washington, Harrell (signed first and changed later), Horton Tucker
After the trade, the Lakers' potential starters will become: Brogdon, Rozier, James, Thick Brow, And Yongbo
This season, Howard did not play much time in the Lakers, because his style is no longer suitable for modern basketball, does not have much offensive ability, and the defensive end is also a little slow. But the Lakers don't have much room or assets to bring in a strong center, and with thick eyebrows, the other interior lines don't need to be strong. Biyongbo is indeed a good choice, the basket finishing ability is strong, and there is a good ability to cover, the most important thing is cheap, it is expected that the basic salary can be signed.
The Lakers' worst this season is three-point and defense, the backcourt players' scoring ability is a mess, Rozier averaged 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3 three-pointers per game, his defensive ability is online, and long-range shooting can be regarded as elite level. Brog's appearances are both 19+5+6, which is a top offensive launch point. Both guards are in the prime of their careers and can share the pressure on James. The Lakers' offense will leap to the top level of the league, but the defense is more difficult to improve, but it will not be worse than this season.
Potential Starters for the Hornets are: Westbrook, Lamelo Ball, Bridges, Oubre, Turner
The Hornets' outside line is overcrowded and has too much talent, but Ball and Bridges are the most promising, and the Hornets are now facing the problem of renewing bridges. Sending off some outside players and switching back to defensive interior is a wise choice, because this season's Hornets offensive efficiency is in the league's top three, but the defense is the bottom. Turner has won the block king, has a strong ability to assist in defense, is a quasi-DPOY level defense, and he has a stable shot that can bring a lot of help to the Hornets.
Previously reported that Jordan can accept Westbrook, the Hornets have not appeared in the history of superstars, they do need Westbrook this level of players, to bring some different culture to the team. And Westbrook is capable, maybe able to help the Hornets get back into the playoffs. His contract is only 1 year left, the Hornets can make room to renew the contract by three goals, and can also get the Lakers' first-round pick in 2027, by then the Lakers should not be a strong team.
Potential Starters for the Pacers are: Halliburton, Hield, Duarte, Hayward, PJ Washington
Completely new lineup, the Pacers have previously been determined to rebuild because the core players are often injured but lack competitive, using Sabonis, an All-Star inside line, in exchange for potential stocks Hariburton and sharpshooter Hield, the outside offensive ability has been greatly improved. Hayward is the most expensive player on the team, but his contract is not long, and the team's space is more flexible after expiration. Duarte is an older rookie, that is, the combat strength is very strong and the salary is very low, and PJ Washington is a front that has some cultivation value. On the bench, Harrell and Tucker will be a steady rotation.
It can be seen that the Pacers are still not very competitive, and they need to get better cornerstone players to try to reach the playoffs in 2024.
It's a win-three deal, and the Lakers bid farewell to Westbrook to re-energize and competitive the lineup, hoping to compete for the title. The Hornets, the big dark horse, changed the change and strengthened the inside line, and had the opportunity to achieve the goal of entering the playoffs. As for the Pacers, the pace of reconstruction has been accelerated, and they all have a bright future.