Lakers Rumors: Kyle Lowry a 'Name to Watch' If Hornets Buy out Contract After Trade

While the Los Angeles Lakers are primarily focused on the trade market for upgrades ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline, the buyout market could be of interest to them.

Per The Athletic's Jovan Buha, Kyle Lowry is considered a "name to watch" for the Lakers if he receives a buyout from the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets received Lowry and a 2027 first-round draft pick from the Miami Heat in exchange for Terry Rozier in a trade that was finalized on Tuesday.

As soon as the deal became official, Lowry's status with the Hornets became a big focus for teams that want backcourt help. There's no need for Charlotte, which boasts the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference (10-32), to keep the six-time All-Star.

Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters a buyout is not "something we would look to accomplish right away" because they want to let the trade deadline play out.

Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer noted the Philadelphia 76ers are considered a "real possibility" for Lowry, who isn't expected to join the Hornets before the trade deadline, because they are under the first tax apron and will be eligible to sign a player who was bought out from a deal worth more than the current mid-level exception of $12.3 million.

There are currently seven teams not eligible to sign a buyout player whose contract exceeded that amount, though the Lakers aren't among them.

Lowry is 37 years old and playing on an expiring contract with a $29.7 million salary this season. His performance has declined in recent years, though he's still effective in a limited role.

The Lakers need a point guard who can run the offense to take some of the burden off LeBron James and add shooting help. Their 30.5 three-point attempts per game are the fewest in the NBA, and their 11.2 makes per game ranks 28th.

In 37 games with the Heat, Lowry averaged 8.2 points on 38.5 percent three-point shooting and 4.0 assists per contest.