NBA Rumors: Lakers Have "High Interest" In Eastern Conference Guard

The names have been churning around the rumor mill for some time: Buddy Hield, Myles Turner and others. But a new name has re-emerged as a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA Insider Shams Charania.

Hornets' Terry Rozier emerged as a trade target for the Lakers in the offseason and their interest in him remains high, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/6VWOy1LFYR

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 24, 2022

And while their intrigue over Charlotte Hornets' guard Terry Rozier began in the offseason, says Charania, "interest in him remains high" according to multiple sources.  

Shams says the Lakers and Hornets even held discussions about a possible three- or four-team trade during the summer, and they still hold him "in high regard." 

Rozier, taking on an extra ballhandling workload with LaMelo Ball out to start the season, was off to a flying start with the Hornets, averaging 23.5 points, 7 rebounds and 8.5 assists through the first two games, before suffering a sprained ankle which kept him out on Sunday.

The 28-year-old is just starting a 4-year, $96M contract this season with the Hornets. 

Charlotte is without last year's breakout forward Miles Bridges, who's facing serious felony domestic assault charges, and very likely might not play this season. Would the team consider taking on the Russell Westbrook contract and tanking the season to enter the Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes? That's the question they must decide on if they are to move Rozier. 

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports