Gordon Hayward is in the midst of a pretty standard, Gordon Hayward-esque season with the Charlotte Hornets.
So far this season the 33-year-old is averaging 14.5 points per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from beyond the arc. That is roughly on par with the 14.7 points per game he averaged last season on 47.5 percent shooting and 32.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
At this juncture in his career, you know exactly what you are going to get out of Hayward. And a young, rebuilding, on-the-come-up team like Charlotte doesn’t need someone with his skillset.
Hayward would be better-served playing for a contender or team that is trying to become one.
This week, reports surfaced that the Los Angeles Lakers might be a good landing spot for Hayward.
One NBA executive made the case for that move during a conversation with Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports.
“I don’t think he is a guy you have to give up a first-rounder for,” the NBA executive told Deveney.
“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.”
The Lakers are currently being linked to several big moves. They have been connected to trades involving two prominent centers. They are one of four frontrunners for Jordan Clarkson. They are also one of four frontrunners for Kyle Kuzma.
In addition, L.A. is also keeping an eye on three lesser-known trade targets and has been linked to a potentially blockbuster three-team trade.
Now that they have fallen under .500 on the year, clearly the Lakers need to make something happen.
The roster, as presently constructed, simply won’t cut it.
Is Hayward the solution to all the team’s woes? That is a decision the Lakers’ front office will need to make ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
