HIS Reasons:

• “Lakers: Mann, 23, was the No. 18 pick in 2021 and is a more-ready point guard prospect than Hood-Schifino. He's due an extension this summer, or the Lakers can wait for restricted free agency in 2025. Richards, 26, is a legit 7'0" center earning $10 million over the next two seasons (his second is non-guaranteed).”

• Hornets: “Instead of reinvesting in Mann, the Hornets add the best player in the deal. Russell shot 41.5 percent from three-point range last year with the Lakers while averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists. Sharing the backcourt with Ball should give the Hornets a dynamic offense (and admittedly porous defense). The commitment to Russell on an expiring contract is short, but he could be a player the team chooses to keep for the next two to three seasons. Charlotte also gets a look at Hood-Schifino, drafted last year at No. 17, along with a couple of minimum players in Reddish and Wood—the latter could replace Richards as the backup center. Additionally, the Hornets get a 2025 first-rounder, which projects to be around No. 20 (based on last year's standings).”

• Jazz: “the Jazz get to speculate a bit with the Lakers' first in 2031, long after James and Davis are expected to be with L.A. It's a minor deal for the Jazz but an opportunistic one, taking advantage of the Lakers' current roster immobility.”

(All credit to him for the trade) Thoughts?👇