Lakers Rumors: Ranking Each Superstar’s Chance of Landing in LA
By Jason Reed
2. Gordon Hayward
The last two people on this ranking really come down to if the Lakers want to bring in a star small forward now or after next season. Regardless, there is a very good chance that we may see a star small forward in Los Angeles, and next season, that star could be Gordon Hayward.
I think Gordon Hayward is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. When you think of star small forwards who do you think of? We commonly turn to Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant to name a few. Because of this star power at the small forward position, it seems like Hayward gets lost in the shuffle and tends to get forgotten about as one of the best.
This season Hayward is averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game and he is only getting better. Hayward has improved his points per game mark every single year he is in the league, and the last three seasons has consistently floated around 5.0 rebounds. Him scoring more is causing a very slight dip in assists numbers, but he is still responsible for more points per game.
Hayward has a player option heading into the offseason, and as he is only set to make $16 million, he will almost undoubtedly exercise it. With Hayward reportedly reaching out to Kobe Bryant for advice, this move to Los Angeles is seeming all the more inevitable.
Whether or not the two sides strike a deal likely comes down to what the Lakers want. They could bring in Hayward now to situate himself in Los Angeles, or, give it one more year to sign a slightly more lucrative player.
Chance of landing in LA: 65%