With the Los Angeles Lakers officially out of the 2021-22 season playoffs, a major rebuild is expected to happen. According to the latest reports, the first star to be sacrificed is Russell Westbrook. In a shocking turn of events, the former MVP is reportedly open to joining Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets.
There is no doubt the Lakers have had a shocker this season. Dubbed as championship favorites, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. Moreover, Westbrook has faced the wrath of the media all season. Many have blamed him for the Lakers’ crisis this season and the fanbase has been continuously asking for a trade.
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It seems likely that the front office will finally trade the star. Just after one season in Los Angeles, reports suggest Westbrook can join the Charlotte Hornets in a super deal.
Russell Westbrook to ditch LeBron and join Michael Jordan?
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a disappointing season, to say the least. After acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards, the fanbase and front office expected the team to fight for the title.
READ MORE: Mutiny in Lakers Camp as Phoenix Suns Told to “Put Team out of Misery”
However, the team struggled all season. Westbrook was nowhere near what everyone expected and Anthony Davis suffered with injuries. Although LeBron James had one of his best seasons in terms of scoring, this was not enough to help the team.
With the Lakers’ title hopes coming to a crashing end, Westbrook’s future looms in the air. According to eminent journalist Marc Stein, “Charlotte has been increasingly mentioned by league insiders as a team to watch on the Russell Westbrook trade front.”
Charlotte has been increasingly mentioned by league insiders as a team to watch on the Russell Westbrook trade front, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 7, 2022
(Via https://t.co/VLnvss1q1X) pic.twitter.com/NwN6opDBiq
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With the Charlotte Hornets becoming one of the best teams in the league, it does not come as a surprise that they are interested in Russ. Moreover, this could lead to an interesting pairing between NBA legend Michael Jordan and Westbrook.
via Imago
FILE – In this Feb. 12, 2019, file photo, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan speaks to the media about hosting the NBA All-Star basketball game during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C. Jordan spoke to his Hornets players recently via video conference call about what it takes to be a champion, emphasizing the need for accountability, even if it means making teammates comfortable (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
The Hornets are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference. With rising stars like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges among their ranks, the team is looking good for the future.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Did Michael Jordan Make the NBA Playoffs with The Wizards?
Do you think Russell Westbrook will join the Charlotte Hornets and Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments down below.
