SUMMARY
- There are discussions about a potential trade scenario involving Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward and the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Gordon Hayward, currently in his fourth season with the Charlotte Hornets, is seen as an attractive target for the Lakers.
Recently, a potential trade scenario has come up, linking Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward to the Los Angeles Lakers. Speaking with Heavy Sports, an NBA executive called this move “desperate” but potentially beneficial for the Lakers. The executive highlighted the importance of acquiring a player like Hayward without sacrificing a first-round pick, a strategy aimed at improving the team’s performance without giving up future talents.
“I don’t think he is a guy you have to give up a first-rounder for,” the NBA executive said. “And that’s what they need. Someone who’s gonna help but not mortgage the future. It’s a desperate move but, so what? Look at their record.”
Gordon Hayward is currently in his fourth season with the Hornets and has previously played for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. Over 25 games in the 2023-24 season, Hayward has averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His percentages of shooting accuracy are 46.8 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from 3-point range.
NBA exec links Gordon Hayward to Lakers as part of ‘desperate’ trade: https://t.co/S5vpSlUpYg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 3, 2024
Hayward’s time with the Hornets has been filled with injuries, limiting his on-court availability. He played in 50 games in the 2022–2023 season, which was the most he had ever played for the team in one season. Despite these challenges, Hayward’s all-round play and skills make him an attractive target for the Lakers.
Lakers start 2024 with a disappointing home loss against the Heat
The Los Angeles Lakers’ start to 2024 was not what they hoped for, they had a disappointing loss against the Miami Heat. The game played at the Lakers’ home court and it ended with a 110-96 win for the Heat. This result pushed the Lakers’ record below .500, currently at (17-18).
The Lakers entered the game without key players D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, while the Heat were without Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin. The Lakers had a difficult start to the game, with turnovers and a lack of efficiency from the three-point line. Despite these challenges, Austin Reaves’ return to the Lakers’ starting lineup made an immediate impact.
The Lakers’ shooting problems continued, and at the end of the first half, they were behind by a big margin. In the second half, LeBron James and Anthony Davis tried to boost the team’s performance, especially Davis went to work on both sides of the ball. However, the Lakers struggled to make shots from outside.
The Heat, on the other hand, showed consistent scoring ability, especially from the deep, allowing them to maintain and extend their lead. Despite Davis’ efforts, which included an amazing dunk, the Lakers were unable to close the gap. The Lakers need to reflect on their weaknesses and areas for improvement.