Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Eyes Hornets' Terry Rozier and Spurs' Josh Richardson

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly eyed Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier and San Antonio Spurs swingman Josh Richardson as they continue exploring Russell Westbrook trade possibilities.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Lakers have had preliminary discussions with both the Spurs and Hornets but have not found a workable agreement.

Rozier is in the first season of a four-year, $96.3 million extension he signed last September. He was off to a stellar start to 2022-23 before suffering a sprained right ankle that kept him out of Sunday's win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hornets would have to add significant salary to Rozier's $21.5 million base for this season in order to make a Westbrook trade work.

Charania noted Charlotte has considered three- and four-team deals to acquire Westbrook (and future draft compensation), but adding teams at this early juncture of the season would be complicated. Teams typically like to allow their rosters to settle in before making deals. December 15, when most players who signed in the offseason are eligible to be traded, is typically the beginning of the actual trade season.

The Spurs are a potentially ideal third team in trade scenarios with $26.5 million in cap space, allowing them to take on Westbrook's salary without having to send out matching contracts. A three-team trade sending Richardson and Rozier to the Lakers, with Westbrook and a first-round pick going to San Antonio, and a first-round pick and other agreed-upon compensation going to Charlotte, is an extremely workable scenario from a financial standpoint.

The Hornets' willingness to give up Rozier while only landing one first-rounder and extra pieces from the Spurs is another question entirely. San Antonio's willingness to take on Westbrook without landing two first-round picks is also questionable.

That said, there are workable frameworks for the Lakers once the stubbornness subsides and they come to the realization a Westbrook trade is inevitable.