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The LA Lakers have been in contact with the Charlotte Hornets regarding trades involving veteran point guards Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley.
In other news, the Lakers are still interested in bringing in one of their long-time trade targets.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Feb. 2, 2023.
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LA Lakers in contact with Charlotte Hornets regarding trades
The LA Lakers are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 24-28 record. With the Feb. 9 trade deadline just one week away, the Lakers are still involved in many different trade rumors that could help them make a playoff push.
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According to NBA insider Sam Amico, LA was recently in contact with the Charlotte Hornets regarding trades involving Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley.
"The Lakers continue to search for trades centered on guards Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley. They have been in contact with the Hornets lately,” Amico reported.
It’s unclear exactly which players the Lakers are interested in acquiring from Charlotte. However, the Hornets are struggling at 15-37 and 14th in the Eastern Conference and have a plethora of veterans they may be open to moving. These include Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee and Kelly Oubre Jr.
LA would likely need to attach one of their 2027 or 2029 first-round picks to Westbrook’s expiring $47.1 million contract to move him. If they do, the Lakers may be able to get back a solid haul of vets who can help them win now.
LA Lakers could still land long-time trade target
The LA Lakers have had their eyes on Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield for quite some time now.
Hield has been one of the best shooters in the entire NBA this season and even ranks first in total made 3-pointers (197). However, he is already 30 and doesn’t fit the timeline of the Pacers’ young roster.
Indiana has also been struggling lately, having gone 1-10 over its past 11 games to fall to 24-28 and 10th in the Eastern Conference. As a result, the Lakers could still land Hield before the deadline, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.
“The Lakers could still be a consideration” Pincus wrote.
“Even after the (Rui) Hachimura trade, the Lakers can still get to Hield's salary with players like Lonnie Walker IV, Patrick Beverley and Damian Jones.
“If the Pacers are happy enough to come off his salary and consider Walker worth a tryout, perhaps the Lakers can get a deal done without needing to send draft compensation.”
Hield is making $21.2 million this season and $19.3 million next season. As Pincus noted, LA would likely have to trade multiple players to land him. However, he would offer a major shooting boost to the Lakers, who rank 26th in the NBA in team 3-point percentage at 33.7%.
Hield is averaging 17.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.8 3-pointers per game while shooting 45.0% and 42.5% from beyond the arc.
Raptors' asking price for Gary Trent Jr. revealed
It was recently reported that the LA Lakers are interested in acquiring Toronto Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. Trent is one of multiple players who have reportedly been made available by the Raptors ahead of the deadline as they trend toward a rebuild.
According to SportsNet’s Michael Grange, Trent’s trade value is considered to be just one protected first-round pick or two good second-round picks.
Trent, aged 24, is averaging 18.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2.7 3-pointers per game while shooting 44.4% and 37.2% from deep this season. He is making $17.5 million this season with an $18.8 million player option for next season.
However, he is expected to decline that option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. This means there could be some risk involved with a trade for Trent.
However, with the Lakers in a desperate situation, a Trent trade may well be worth the risk as they attempt to win now.
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