The Los Angeles Lakers are off to an 0-3 start to the 2022-23 NBA season. It’s not looking good overall, but the fit with Russell Westbrook is something, in particular, that just won’t work.
It remains to be seen how willing the Lakers will be to part with future draft capital to attempt to contend with a roster that seemingly cannot manage to get the job done. Some scenarios have been floated involving teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs, but again, how willing is Los Angeles to part with future draft capital?
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Terry Rozier had emerged as a trade target for the Lakers during the offseason, and their interest in getting a deal done ‘remains high.’
“Charlotte’s Terry Rozier emerged as a trade target for the Lakers in the offseason and their interest in him remains high, multiple sources tell The Athletic.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
A pivotal factor in Rozier’s potential trade availability will be the level of success, or lack thereof, that the Hornets experience early in the season. Despite LaMelo Ball being sidelined due to an ankle sprain and Miles Bridges out of the picture, Charlotte is off to a 2-1 start.
“The Lakers and Hornets held discussions about a possible three- or four-team trade during the summer, and hold him in high regard among their possible trade possibilities, but the dynamic Hornets guard’s availability will be entirely predicated on the franchise’s direction for the future and its play as the season goes on.”
Rozier would bring a helpful boost in perimeter shooting capabilities for the Lakers. With his Hornets team shorthanded, he’s averaging 23.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through two games. He’s shooting just 39.5 percent overall but is converting at a 40.0 percent clip from 3-point range.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
What a complete trade package involving the Hornets would look like remains to be seen. Gordon Hayward would undoubtedly be an intriguing trade target for the Lakers to acquire in addition to Rozier. It would require Charlotte to decide to undergo a bit of a teardown midseason.