The Los Angeles Lakers' 2021 season was a disastrous one, missing out on the playoffs and falling short of everyone's expectations. This great group of players never blended together, leading the whole team through a frustrating season.
When LeBron James decided to stay on the team, the Lakers tried to turn things around while playing high-level games next season, and the few offseasons that remained crucial.
Los Angeles has taken a step in the right direction, changing the team's attitude by trading beverly. However, much remains to be done. There are two more deals here, and the Lakers should do everything possible to complete them to improve their competitiveness.
The Lakers sent Westbrook, 2023 second-round picks, 2026 first-round picks, get Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee
Getting rid of Westbrook's contract is an inevitable problem for the Lakers in the offseason, and while Westbrook isn't the lakers' only problem, his inefficient shooting and unique playing style don't produce good chemistry with the team, and his earnings this season will also reach $47.1 million, ranking second in the entire NBA. It will take some additional assets to convince other teams to trade the former MVP, but for the Lakers, it's worth it to pay the price for a first-round pick and a second-round pick.
For the Hornets, the deal will provide the team with an additional $31.5 million in salary space next season offseason, while Lamelo Ball is still on his rookie contract.
Gordon Hayward has struggled to stay fit during his time at Charlotte, but in his two seasons with the team, he has played just 93 games. Over the next two years, he had a $61.6 million contract.
Mason Plumlee is a solid NBA big man, but the Hornets have spent their first round picks on big men (Mark Williams and Kay Jones) over the past two seasons. For this reason, he is also unlikely to have a long-term future in the team. Swapping out these two expensive old futures to free up salary space, the Hornets will benefit a lot.
While Hayward's health problems won't go away after coming to Los Angeles, Hayward will be a better fit for the team when he's on the pitch. Look forward to him as a contributor to a pivotal moment, helping LeBron James and Anthony Davis pull out the space. This team is at a stage where they should sacrifice their talents in exchange for victory, which will greatly increase the Chances of the Lakers winning next season.
The Lakers got Cam Redish, sent Out Kendrick Nunn, swapped first-round picks in 2025, and second-round picks in 2027
I believe Redish is no stranger to being traded, having been traded off the Eagles last season in exchange for Solomon Hill, a protected first-round pick in 2022 and a second-round pick in 2025. Now, in less than a year, he may move again. The former tenth-picker wanted a bigger role but didn't in New York.
He averaged just 14.3 minutes per game in 15 games last season, the fewest of his career appearances. While speculation about his request for a trade has been denied, the former Duke's talented player will provide the Lakers with what they need, which will be a valuable addition.
One might worry that he might never settle for his role or think he's just a substitute, but Redish has excellent physical condition, the 6'8-inch striker is athletic, solid defensive and has the potential to be a great target shooter, albeit with a poor feel from his current shooting. If the Lakers can make him accept his role and grow into a great sixth, it will prove to be very beneficial.
It's well worth it to trade Kendrick Nunn and limited draft assets for a genius of Reddish's type, who is only 23 now and needs a real chance to prove what he's capable of, and he needs a bigger chance to really prove what he can do. The Lakers can do just that and count on Cam Redish to take on significant rotation time for the team in 2022-23
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