It is no surprise to see Russell Westbrook on the trading block after the 2021-22 NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Charlotte Hornets jumping on board might be a bit more surprising as a potential trade partner.
Westbrook is owed $47 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers have options on how to play this but paying him the full amount should not be one of them.
They are coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in NBA history missing the playoffs after being viewed as a championship contender.
The fit for the Lakers was odd from the beginning. Westbrook struggled with his offensive game and turned the ball over at a higher rate. As for the Hornets, this move could provide long-term financial flexibility moving forward.
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The Hornets are looking to build around LaMelo Ball moving forward. He is the franchise player that is going to continue to leave the team as long as he is in town.
Charlotte has taken it straight to the postseason and they can continue by opening up some kind of space and putting himself in a better position moving forward.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario might happen between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.
