At 41-39 on the 2021-22 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves at a precipice. As a young team, they’re probably not ready to contend. As a team with at least two franchise cornerstones, they’ve got little incentive not to try.
One of those cornerstones looks like a future MVP candidate. LaMelo Ball has been razzling and dazzling NBA audiences since he entered the league last season.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges has proven a perfect compliment to Ball. He enters restricted free agency this offseason: look for the Hornets to match virtually any offer.
The Hornets may have (arguably) the most exciting young point guard in the NBA, but he could use a backup. A look at the team’s current depth chart finds Terry Rozier serving double duty as the team’s starting off-guard and backup point guard.
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That doesn’t feel sustainable. Conveniently, neither does Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have been a trainwreck in 2021-22. Entering the season as presumed contenders, they won’t even participate in the play-in tournament this season. It appears obvious that they’ll be looking for a new home for Westbrook this offseason. Here are two deals that could make that new home Charlotte.
