Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Hornets Star LaMelo Ball To Lakers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets this offseason. 

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Hornets:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 pick, 2025 second-round pick (most favorable from Lakers or Clippers), 2026 first-round swap, 2027 second-round pick, 2028 first-round swap, 2029 first-round pick (unprotected), 2030 second-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (top-one protection; turns into 2031 second-rounder if not conveyed)

The Lakers hired JJ Redick as their new head coach. Redick is signing a four-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $8 million per season.

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

“The promise of Ball’s shooting, vision and contrived anarchy on the break and how it all fits beside LeBron James (player option) and Anthony Davis is enough to get the Lakers looking beyond the risks,” Favale wrote. “This is a move that weaponizes their present and constructs a sturdy bridge into the future. And no, L.A. shouldn’t quibble about surrendering so much draft equity when it’s keeping Austin Reaves.”

The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. 

Meanwhile, the Hornets missed the postseason for the eighth straight season. 

Ball only played in 22 games this season due to a right ankle injury. He averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 86.5% from the free-throw line. 

The Hornets drafted Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Ball has career averages of 20.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He won the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year Award and made the 2022 All-Star team.

Ball signed a five-year, $204 million extension with the Hornets last summer. He will make $35.3 million next season.