NBA Trade Rumors: 5 deals LA Lakers could make with their 1st round picks

Los Angeles Lakers Russell Westbrook (Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Lakers Russell Westbrook (Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)
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Lakers acquire a trio from Charlotte

If the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to make a different splash, perhaps they could turn to a team like the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte is at a point where they may need to begin a retooling around LaMelo Ball and could benefit by stocking up on future draft picks.

And the Hornets have three players that could also be of use for the Lakers in Terry Rozier (who would be an answer at the point guard position), P.J. Washington, and Kelly Oubre Jr. – each of those two would give the Lakers some flexibility in the frontcourt.

Of course, the Lakers would have to decide if acquiring this trio from Charlotte would put them on the same level as other favorites in the Western Conference. The Lakers can’t afford to trade away both of their first-round picks without a championship contention certainty for the rest of this season and into the next couple of seasons.

I’m not sure if this trade would give them that.