Lakers Projected Starting Lineup: PG Rozier, SG Trent Jr, SF Hayward, PF Lebron, C AD Lakers Projected Bench Depth: PG Schroeder, SG Reaves, SF Walker IV, PF PJ Washington, C Thomas Bryant

Although I would love to keep Russ, I believe the Lakers need to make a trade with the Hornets. Absorbing the contracts of Hayward and/or Rozier should allow the Lakers to fulfill rosters needs without giving up too much draft capital.

Gary Trent should be available for a first round pick + expiring deals. Grabbing young talent like Gary Trent (23 yo) and PJ Washington (24 yo) should make giving up an unprotected first easier to swallow.

These trades give the Lakers a good mix of youth and experience. Thomas Bryant, Reaves, Walker IV, Trent Jr, and PJ Wahington are all 25 or younger. Only Lebron and Hayward are older than 30.

Most importantly, this gives the Lakers several legitimate 3 and D players between 6'5 and 6'7 in Hayward, Trent Jr, and PJ Washington.

Rozier brings some much needed scoring, shot creation, and ball handling in the half-court.

If the fit is less than ideal, the Lakers can sign and trade some of their young pieces or move Hayward as he will be an expiring deal going into next season. Even then, Rozier will only have two years left on his deal.