NBA Rumors Roundup: LiAngelo Ball likely to be waived by Hornets, Pistons looking to offload Kemba Walker, and more - October 16, 2022
The 2022-23 NBA regular season is just days away. Every team is putting the finishing touches on their rosters. It appears that two notable players might be waived coming into the season. LiAngelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets and Kemba Walker from the Detroit Pistons.
Here is the latest NBA rumors roundup, brought to you by Sportskeeda.
NBA Teams tanking for Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama has become the NBA's hottest prospect. The last time a basketball prospect had this much hype surrounding him was LeBron James back in 2003.
Wembanyama has also caught the attention of the league. In fact, even some of the all-time greats have acknowledged the big man's level of skill. With that said, which teams are hoping to land Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft?
The three teams that have fully committed to tanking for the first overall pick are the Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. These teams have done everything in their power to ensure they will not win a lot of games this season.
Wembanyama hasn't even played an NBA game yet, and he is already being compared to a young LeBron James. Are we overhyping his abilities a bit too much? How much of an impact can be expected from him in his rookie season?
LiAngelo Ball likely to be waived by Hornets
LiAngelo Ball just can't catch a break in the NBA. In 2020, it appeared he would finally start his NBA journey with the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, Ball was waived and sent to the G League to play for the Greensboro Swarm. It looks like he'll be in the same situation again this year.
According to Shams Charania of 'The Athletic', the Charlotte Hornets will waive LiAngelo Ball before their first regular season game. Ball had the opportunity to play during the preseason. Sadly, he did not make much of an impact in his limited minutes on the floor.
Pistons looking to offload Kemba Walker
Another notable player is getting waived before the regular season. This time it's former All-Star Kemba Walker. According to Charania, the Detroit Pistons have decided to move on from the four-time All-Star. Walker was traded from the New York Knicks to the Pistons as part of a three-team deal on July 6. The move was viewed as a salary dump by the Knicks.
Walker's production fell off a cliff last season. He averaged just 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 37 games. He shot 40.3% from the field and 36.7% from 3-point range. He injured his knee in January. He was removed from the Knicks' rotation for good in February.
LA Lakers might still trade for Russell Westbrook
The LA Lakers have maintained they are still fully committed to their 'big three'. Russell Westbrook's role with the team is still up in the air. His coaches and teammates are saying all the right things, but it feels like his time with the Lakers is coming to an end.
According to a report by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers have resumed their efforts to trade Westbrook. They temporarily stalled them during training camp to avoid unnecessary distractions.
"The Lakers at some point here will start engaging teams again on possible Russell Westbrook trades."
Woj: "The Lakers at some point here will start engaging teams again on possible Russell Westbrook trades."
#NBATwitter https://t.co/UnWtk1ll6X
Stephen A. Smith claims Kyrie Irving still plans to sign with LA Lakers
There were a lot of rumors about Kyrie Irving joining the LA Lakers this summer. Irving was reportedly interested in reuniting with LeBron James, but opted into the final year of his deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith claims that Kyrie Irving will likely sign with the LA Lakers during free agency next offseason. Smith explained the situation on 'NBA Countdown'.
“This is it,” Smith said. “Barring a trade before the trading deadline, this is their last season together … Kyrie’s not re-signing with Brooklyn. Kyrie’s planning on going to Los Angeles. He’s trying to go to Los Angeles. That’s what he was trying to do over the summer. That’s what he’s trying to do now.”