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The LA Lakers have been in touch with the Charlotte Hornets about trading veteran point guards Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley.
In other news, the Lakers are still interested in bringing in one of their longtime trade targets.
In that regard, here are the latest rumors about the LA Lakers as of February 2, 2023.
LA Lakers reach out to Charlotte Hornets regarding trade
The LA Lakers are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 24-28 record. With only a week left before the Feb. 9 trade deadline, the Lakers are still involved in various trade rumors that could boost their advance to the playoffs.
According to NBA insider Sam Amiko, Los Angeles has recently been in touch with the Charlotte Hornets about trading Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley.
“The Lakers continue to look for trades centered around guards Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverly, who have been in touch with the Hornets recently,” Amiko reported.
It’s unclear exactly which players the Lakers are interested in acquiring from Charlotte. There are many players. These include Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee and Kelly Oubre Jr.
LA will probably need to tie one of their 2027 or 2029 first-round picks to Westbrook’s expiring $47.1 million contract. If so, the Lakers may be able to bring back a solid legion of veterans who can help them win now.
Los Angeles Lakers could land longtime trade target
The LA Lakers have been eyeing Indiana Pacers sniper Buddy Hield for quite some time.
Hield has been one of the best shooters in the entire NBA this season, ranking first in total 3-point completions (197). But he’s already 30 and doesn’t fit into the timeline of the Pacers’ young roster.
Indiana has also struggled recently, going 1-10 in its last 11 games and dropping to 24-28 and 10th in the Eastern Conference. As a result, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Lakers were able to acquire Heald before the deadline.
“The Lakers could still be on the table,” Pincus wrote.
“Even after the (Louis) Hachimura trade, the Lakers could still get Hield’s salary with players like Lonnie Walker IV, Patrick Beverley and Damien Jones.
“If the Pacers are willing to pay his salary and think Walker is worth a tryout, perhaps the Lakers can sign the deal without having to send draft fees.”
Hield is making $21.2 million this season and $19.3 million next season. As Pincus pointed out, LA will likely have to trade multiple players to acquire him. To the Lakers, he would provide a big shooting boost.
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%.
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.
According to SportsNet’s Michael Grange, Trent’s trade value is thought to be one protected first-round pick or two valid second-round picks.
Trent, 24, is averaging 18.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2.7 3-pointers per game this season while shooting 44.4% and 37.2%. He’s making $17.5 million this season, and his next season player option is his $18.8 million.
However, he is expected to turn down the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. This means that trading torrents can be risky.
But with the Lakers in a desperate situation, a Trent trade might be worth the risk they’re trying to win now.
read also: NBA Rumor Roundup: Mavericks Willing To Package Dorian Finney-Smith For Stars, Team Willing To Offer OG Anunoby Three First Round Picks, More
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