Lakers Rumors: Which star adds the most wins for the Lakers next year
By Jason Reed
2. Gordon Hayward
Lakers 2017-18 record with Hayward: 39-43 (+13 wins)
It is quite interesting to see that Gordon Hayward and Carmelo Anthony would both add the same amount of wins to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it makes sense. For starters, both men are small forwards, would give the Lakers a new presence in the middle of all the action. Second, Anthony is on the decline from superstardom, and Hayward is on his way, so their path’s in terms of talent may be intersecting at this point in time.
The two put up very similar numbers as well. Hayward averaged 17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game – almost mirroring the numbers that Anthony put up. However, Hayward put up a far better shooting percentage and was actually granted an all-star appearance, something that Anthony was not.
Despite having the same record, Gordon Hayward ranks higher on this list for a very specific reason. Sure, in their first year the two may produce near identical results. However, Hayward is only getting better, and soon enough will be that superstar in the NBA. Anthony is falling from that, and would be a giant waste of washed up money.
Overall, while on the surface both Hayward and Anthony provide the same for the Lakers next year, it is apparent that Gordon Hayward is the more viable option.