Terry Rozier
Terry Rozier is still a target for the Los Angeles Lakers but sealing an acceptable financial package will be tough. Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • The Hornets may not be open to parting ways with Terry Rozier that easy
  • The Hornets will have to send multiple players to cover Russell Westbrook's hefty contract
  • The Lakers could use three key pieces from the Hornets roster to address issues in their rotation

The Los Angeles Lakers need help immediately, and one measure could be to revisit some offseason targets.

One name that could make sense is Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets.

The obvious piece from the Lakers that would be dealt away is Russell Westbrook.

Despite claims that the nine-time All-Star is due for a redemption year, that has not happened as his averages around in three games for the Lakers only added insult to injury.

Westbrook is hardly a shade of his usual triple-double self, norming only 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 28.7 minutes of action.

Although it is still early in the season, the fact remains that his poor play has been hurting the Lakers.

Unless head coach Darvin Ham can do something, the longer they keep Westbrook makes it tougher to trade him.

Add to the fact that the 2017 NBA MVP is due $47 million this season, no NBA team in its right mind would take the risk of getting the 33-year-old and paying him that amount of money.

Hence, the Lakers will just have to find a way to get a trade done.

One possible target may be Rozier as he was on the Lakers' radar last summer, but nothing went down.

Per sources cited by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the interest in Rozier remains high.

But seeing how the Hornets (2-1) are doing better this regular season, the notion of the Lakers plucking from Charlotte will not be easy.

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There are various factors in play. That includes the team's outlook, including possibly tanking to get a chance at getting Victor Wembanyama.

Furthermore, the absence of Miles Bridges due to legal matters may have altered the course of Charlotte.

LaMelo Ball needs help once he is ready to play again, and Rozier could be that guy with Bridges out.

Lastly, it would take a huge financial package for the Lakers to acquire Rozier.

Charlotte may have to give up multiple players, one that could be comprised of Kelly Oubre, Gordon Hayward and Mason Plumlee.

Of that mix, adding Rozier, Oubre and Gordon would address the lack of offense that the Lakers need.

Russell Westbrook and Terry Rozier
The Lakers may pursue Terry Rozier of the Charlotte Hornets with Russell Westbrook performing below par this 2022-23 NBA season. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
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