Lakers Talk With Hornets About Russell Westbrook

The Lakers have spoken to the Hornets about guard Russell Westbrook‘s expiring contract, as first reported by Hoops Wire and again written by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Along with the Hornets, the Lakers have talked to the Jazz about a Westbrook trade, as we relayed here and Fischer also mentioned. Talks between the Lakers and Spurs are also reportedly still alive.

It’s not been determined what the Lakers would be seeking from the Hornets in exchange for Westbrook’s $47.1 million expiring deal — though it is likely we know what the Hornets want. And that would be the Lakers’ next two trade-eligible first-round picks, in 2027 and ’29. The Lakers, of course, have been highly hesitant to include those in any deal.

Another thing we seem to know about the Hornets is they are open to a fire sale ahead of the deadline. Their list of available players reportedly includes forward Gordon Hayward, guard/forward Kelly Oubre and guard Terry Rozier.

Meanwhile, any Westbrook deal with the Jazz would involve the Lakers getting back point guard Mike Conley, shooting guard Malik Beasley and power forward Jarred Vanderbilt, per Fischer.

Beasley has also been linked to the Knicks, as has Vanderbilt (full post). Along with that, Beasley reportedly has drawn interest from the Cavaliers, Hawks, Suns and Pelicans; and Vanderbilt from the 76ers (full post), Pacers and Trail Blazers.

We have more on the Lakers and Jazz talks on Westbrook right here.

The Lakers and Jazz stand as two teams interconnected with much of the NBA trade market’s possibilities, plus a quick breakdown of the centers being discussed around the league. Saturday trade deadline notes @YahooSports: https://t.co/XN2QkrYypx

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 4, 2023