Lakers Rumors: Trade packages that can land Kemba Walker

Trade option #1:

The first option for the Los Angeles Lakers is perhaps the best trade package to acquire Walker, with the future in mind. One of the many large contracts the Hornets need to free up is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, hence his inclusion in this trade. In exchange for the duo, the Hornets are covering multiple bases’.

First, the Hornets get Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is under team control for two more seasons, following this season, with a near identical salary as Walker. Clarkson has shown star potential in flashes with the Lakers. As a full-time starting point guard, Clarkson could develop into one of the best in the league.

Caldwell-Pope gives them a good defensive option for this season and matches the salaries in the trade. Caldwell-Pope is owed $18 million but is on an expiring deal. Throw in Tyler Ennis for some depth at point guard and a pick swap (Hornets get the better pick in 2019 draft, Lakers get worse) and the future is covered.

Admittedly, this deal is not the best for the Hornets. If the draft pick is unprotected, maybe they would pull the trigger on this deal. Charlotte can likely get a better deal from another team, or even a better deal from the Lakers. This is the worst-case scenario for the Hornets.

However, this is a great trade for the Lakers. Sure, they take on $12 million more next season than they originally had, but they still would have around $30 million to bring in another star.