LA Lakers rumors roundup: Paul Pierce suggests Anthony Davis for Kevin Durant trade, team views Gordon Hayward’s contract as a deterrent in Hornets trade
Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has suggested a blockbuster trade that could fix both the LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.
In other news, the Lakers are hesitant to make a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. They do not want to take on veteran forward Gordon Hayward’s long-term contract.
Here are the latest rumors involving the LA Lakers as of November 1, 2022.
Paul Pierce suggests Anthony Davis for Kevin Durant trade
Paul Pierce has come up with a blockbuster deal that he believes will fix two of the NBA’s marquee franchises. The Hall of Famer thinks the LA Lakers (1-5) should trade superstar big man Anthony Davis to the Brooklyn Nets (2-5). In return, the Lakers would receive superstar forward Kevin Durant.
What’s going on with the Brooklyn Nets . I think it’s time to start the AD for KD rumors right now 🤷🏾♂️ twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
While the trade is unlikely to happen, it’s still an interesting proposal. The Lakers currently rank dead last in the NBA in both 3-point percentage (26.6%) and offensive rating (100.3). They are also 29th in scoring with an average of 105.3 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Nets rank 29th in rebounds. They average just 39 rebounds per game and lack a true big man on their roster. Durant would give the Lakers a much-needed scoring boost. He's averaging 32.6 points on 52.4% shooting.
Davis, on the other hand, would be a consistent double-double and shot-blocking threat for the Brooklyn Nets. Davis has averaged 23.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks through five games.
The deal appears to be more of a fantasy than a reality. Both teams will have to explore more realistic options to improve their weaknesses.
LA Lakers reportedly view Gordon Hayward’s contract as a "deterrent" in Hornets trade
The LA Lakers have consistently been linked to the Charlotte Hornets in trade rumors. The Lakers' main trade target on the Hornets is combo guard Terry Rozier. Many have speculated that veteran forward Gordon Hayward could also be an attractive target for the "Purple and Gold."
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, this may not be the case. Stein reported that Hayward's massive contract has been a roadblock in trade negotiations.
"The Lakers’ interest in Charlotte’s Terry Rozier as a potential headliner in a Russell Westbrook trade is not new. You’ll recall that this Substack has been writing [about this] since April. L.A. has fondness for the former Celtic in potential Westbrook-centric trade discussions with Charlotte,” Stein said.
“The deterrent for the Lakers ... has been concern stemming from the prospect of also absorbing Gordon Hayward’s contract. [He] has one guaranteed season left on it after this one at $31.5 million. Hayward was limited by injury to just 93 games in his first two seasons as a Hornet,” Stein continued.
Given Westbrook’s $47.1 million salary, the easiest way to complete a trade is to include Hayward in the deal. A trade involving Westbrook for both Rozier and Hayward works financially.
Hayward is injury-prone and will make a combined $61.6 million over the next two seasons. But he’s still a borderline All-Star level player when he’s on the court.
Hayward has averaged 18.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in seven games this season. He has also shot an efficient 49.5% from the field, and 36.0% from 3-point range. He would instantly become the Lakers’ third-best player.
Hayward and Rozier can both score at an elite level. They would make the Lakers a better team. Rozier has averaged 23.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in two games. He has also shot 40.0% from deep. If the Lakers’ struggles extend deeper into the season, they might have to revisit this reported trade offer.
Myles Turner: LA Lakers should take "hard look" at potential trade with Indiana Pacers
The LA Lakers and Indiana Pacers paused trade discussions after negotiating throughout the offseason. Trade talks previously centered around the Pacers receiving Russell Westbrook and the Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. In return, the Lakers will receive Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
Turner appears to be holding out hope for a trade to the Lakers. During an appearance on “The Woj Pod” with Adrian Wojnarowski, Turner explained why he believes the Lakers should trade for him.
"If I'm the Lakers, I take a very hard look at this with the position that you're in," Turner said.
"I know what I can provide for a team. My leadership, my shot-blocking, my 3-point ability and just my ability to make plays out there on the floor."
"And I take a very long look at it. But as far as pulling the trigger, I get paid to shoot. I'm not paid to make these calls, so I couldn't answer that,” Turner continued.
Should the Lakers give up the two picks? Full audio of Pacers center Myles Turner on The Woj Pod: apple.co/3fnF4no https://t.co/GZvSg9BLyp
So far, the LA Lakers have been reluctant to include both of their future first-round picks in a deal involving Turner. The Pacers big man doesn’t think this should be a barrier to getting a potential deal done. He believes he is worth the asking price.
"We all know picks are so valuable in this league, and someone like myself, I'm heading into the last year of my deal and you want to make sure you're getting a return for your assets," Turner said.
Turner, 26, has averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in his career. He has also shot 34.8% from 3-point range. Hield, 29, is a career 39.8% 3-point shooter on 7.6 attempts per game. He is shooting 42.7% from three on 9.4 attempts per game this season.
The LA Lakers currently rank last in the league in 3-point percentage. So this deal makes a lot of sense. It will be interesting to see if Turner’s interview has any impact on trade negotiations moving forward.