Lakers Trade Rumors: Making the case for grabbing Kemba Walker
By Keith Rivas
The latest Lakers rumors have their eyes on Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets, who could really be a difference maker.
If the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to put all of their trade rumors to the test and actually make the most out of wanting to get rid of Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, look no further than a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
LA has every reason in the world to be, at the very least, bringing this conversation up between both respective managements. The fact that Kemba Walker is officially on the block should tell you that the Hornets want a do over at that position — and quite possibly overall — and giving them the keys to that will also allow Los Angeles to get what they desperately need.
A veteran who can back up Lonzo Ball and contribute solid numbers that matter, while also being able to take the driver’s seat in the worst case scenario.
One of the biggest reasons that the purple and gold didn’t get the latter part from Jordan Clarkson is simply because the talk of being traded all of the time kills the drive in that moment. Add to that the fact that the Lakers front office refused to even bench Ball for Clarkson for even a game; showing preference to the rookie with every chance they could.
Drafting Kyle Kuzma saved them from an awkward summer with Julius Randle, as it’s also clear that both sides aren’t going to work out in the long run. Charlotte has really found themselves in a place where they’ll probably take anything, and unless the Lakers really are reluctant to want a guy like Walker, it’s doubtful Charlotte can really get a better or more logical return than Clarkson and Randle.
For financial reasons, it would make sense for Charlotte to include small forward Dwayne Bacon along with Walker, but that doesn’t take away what both teams are really trying to get at. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of making this deal go down.