The Lakers are expected to pick up Hayward's rejection of Reaves for Murray's exposure of the team's four potential targets

On January 14, Beijing time, according to Fischer, the Hornets are looking to trade Hayward, and it is also possible that they will eventually buy out his 31.5 million contract. If Hayward is bought out, many media people are optimistic that the Lakers are expected to pick up the leak. Separately, Lakers reporter Woike reported on the team's refusal to trade Reaves for Murray and listed four potential trade targets for the Lakers.

The Lakers are expected to pick up Hayward

This isn't the first time Hayward has been rumored with the Lakers. It was previously reported that the Lakers would not trade a first-round pick for Edward, but could get him through other means. Now, the opportunity may be on the horizon, and if Hayward can't be sent away before the trade deadline, the Hornets may choose to buy out his contract.

The Lakers are expected to be a potential home for Hayward, and one of the big reasons is that many teams can't join the competition. Under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, since Hayward's salary is more than the full middle class, any team that pays more than the first line of local tycoons will not be eligible to sign him if he is bought out. It also means that the Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, Heat, Bucks and Suns are not eligible to sign Hayward, and the Lakers have a lot fewer opponents all of a sudden. Of course, the Timberwolves, Knicks, Thunder, Pacers and even the Jazz could compete with the Lakers.

So far this season, Hayward has averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, shooting 46.8% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. If Hayward can stay healthy, his all-around style of play is a perfect fit for the Lakers.

Why refuse to trade Reeves for Murray?

Lakers reporter Woike reported that the team is indeed interested in Murray, and the Hawks will certainly ask for Reaves as well. While the Lakers' defense has degraded this season, they have no plans to trade Reaves. It comes down to the Lakers believing that even if Reaves were traded for Murray, the current situation would be difficult to change. At the moment, the Lakers are not in any talks about a Reaves trade, according to sources.

Woike also said that if the Hawks are willing to accept a first-round pick and a young player main offer, then the Lakers are expected to be satisfied, because they are willing to send the first-round pick and will not rule out sending Christie, although the Lakers still need a salary to match the deal. Christie has a certain appeal, but restricted free agent status this summer has also limited some value.

Four potential targets for the Lakers

The Lakers don't have a lot of chips, and Woike pointed out that the main chips besides the first-round pick are Russell, Hachimura and Vincent. If the Lakers are willing to send them away, who players can they get back? Murray and LaVine are widely discussed names, but LaVine's injury history and contract issues make it unlikely that he will be traded to the Lakers. League insiders generally believe that the Bulls will have to take some assets if they want to successfully send LaVine away.

In addition, Woike mentioned four potential targets: Brogdon for the Trail Blazers, Rozier for the Hornets, Tyus Jones for the Wizards, and Finney Smith for the Nets. The first three are veteran point guards on struggling teams, while the last one is the 3-and-D wing that the Lakers need.

Time is running out for Pelinka, what choices will he make?