The Los Angeles Lakers are off to an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 NBA season. Of course, it’s early, but things aren’t looking great.

In a competitive Western Conference landscape, it will be challenging for a team to overcome a slow start to the season. Teams tend to use a wait-and-see approach, but will it be too late?

At this point, it’s clear: the Lakers have got their share of problems. Many of them relate to Russell Westbrook. Unfortunately, the former MVP had a hard time finding his footing playing alongside LeBron James in 2021-22. 

Perhaps the best solution to that problem has been obvious for a while — move Westbrook via trade.

One intriguing trade scenario could involve a trade that sends Westbrook to a team that becomes more open to tanking. The Charlotte Hornets could be a helpful option with veteran talents that have a more cohesive skill-set than Westbrook.

Here’s a deal that has the Lakers finally taking advantage of it by landing Gordon Hayward. 

Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier

On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets have problems too. They’re just significantly different problems from the ones the Lakers face. 

Perhaps the most pressing one is replacing Miles Bridges. Unfortunately, Bridges was charged with domestic assault this summer. His entire NBA career is rightfully in jeopardy. Suffice it to say, he won’t be with the Hornets next season. 

The Hornets are built around a young superstar in LaMelo Ball. With that in mind, they face less pressure than a veteran team like the Lakers. On the other hand, that doesn’t mean they’re not facing pressure.