NBA Trade Rumors: Could Charlotte Hornets Trade Lance Stephenson to Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls?
Just when you thought Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets were turning things around, they begin the season with a horrendous 4-14 record.
The Hornets are currently in last place in the Southeast Division behind the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards. Nothing seems to be going right in Charlotte so far this season, as the Hornets rank 26th in points scored per game and 20th in points allowed.
According to multiple reports, the Hornets are looking to trade Lance Stephenson.
Stephenson signed with the Hornets this previous offseason for a three-year, $27-million contract after playing four seasons with the Indiana Pacers. Stephenson is still just 24 years old, and he has some good qualities about him. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Stephenson is adjusting to the Bobcats' system, averaging just 9.6 points per game this season.
So what now? With Stephenson not playing well in Charlotte and the Bobcats ready to move on, what teams could Stephenson play for next?
The Los Angeles Lakers could be a landing spot for Stephenson. Of course, the Lakers won't be hoisting their 17th NBA Championship trophy this season, but they have to build for next season and beyond. Jeremy Lin will be a free agent after this season, Kobe Bryant is nearing retirement, Steve Nash is contributing nothing whatsoever and the Carlos Boozer experiment hasn't quite worked out.
Adding Stephenson to the roster could be good for the Lakers. The Lakers have made a lot of huge financial investments lately, like Nash, Bryant and Lin. Stephenson isn't a costly player, and he won't be a long-term investment if things don't work out.
Another team that may show interest is the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls are good team who routinely make the playoffs (last six consecutive seasons), but could use a physical player like Stephenson. Is Stephenson going to guide the Bulls to a championship? No, but he can provide a lot of valuable minutes for the Bulls, even off the bench.
Surprisingly the Bulls rank 19th overall in defense this season, allowing more than 100 points per game against. Stephenson would definitely help a Bulls team who has been inconsistent this year, and has an injury-plagued point guard.
The Hornets may be hesitant to trade Stephenson within their own conference, but there are other teams in the Western Conference who could make a good fit. The Los Angeles Clippers, who are in second place in the Pacific Division, could add Stephenson to their roster. The Clippers already have Blake Griffin and Chris Paul III dominating the passing and dunking game, but Stephenson could help a lot with mid-range shots and defense.
At this point in the season, it doesn't look like the Hornets will be making the playoffs, and head coach Steve Clifford doesn't appear to be the biggest Stephenson fan. The NBA trade deadline isn't until February, but the Hornets need to make a move and get value because they've been one of the most disappointing teams this season.
Stephenson doesn't have a high or long-term contract, so there's a good chance he will be traded this year.
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