Lakers Rumors: Rumored targets the Lakers should avoid
By Jason Reed
Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward, alongside Paul George, has been another rumored small forward that could join the Los Angeles Lakers. The great thing about Hayward is he can exercise his player option this year and would give the Lakers an immediate star while George would take some patience. Because of this, we may see the Lakers jump the gun on Gordon.
More from Lakers Rumors
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- Lakers Rumors: Jason Kidd no longer being considered for Pelicans job
- Lakers Rumors: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo expected to opt out
- Lakers Rumors: Golden State Warriors interested in Dwight Howard
Playing in one of the smallest markets in the NBA in Salt Lake City may have given Hayward the urge to join a huge market. Los Angeles, being second to only New York, would give Hayward exactly what he wants. A young guy himself, Hayward would be the leader of this young Los Angeles unit and would be the face of the best city in America.
However, unlike with Blake Griffin’s injury status or DeMarcus Cousins antics, this avoidance has nothing to do with Hayward himself.
He is a great player and obviously would make the Lakers far better than they already are. Getting better in each season he plays, it is obvious that Hayward is fast approaching his prime.
Instead, avoiding Hayward has everything to do with Paul George. While it Hayward is great, we all know that George has a much bigger influence and has much more ability than the young small forward. George would not only make the Lakers better but inspire other stars to join the purple and gold to dethrone the Warriors.
If the Lakers can somehow penny-pinch their way to getting both guys, moving George back to shooting guard, then so be it. However, realistically, the Lakers can only have one – and that one should be Paul George.
Next: Clippers options to replace Blake Griffin
Overall, all of the Lakers rumors this offseason may be too much to keep up with for the common fan. Even if you cannot keep up with all the Lakers rumors, at least we can conclude that the team should avoid these three guys.