It's been more of the same for the purple and gold team in Los Angeles so far to start this season, with the Lakers once again struggling at both sides of the floor slumping to an 0-3 start in the new NBA season.
The Lakers embarrassingly missed the playoffs this season, an unthinkable thought this time last year after they acquired perennial all-star Russell Westbrook to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However it's a trio that just has not worked, for a multitude of reasons, and continues to look dysfunctional on the floor together.
With the embarrassing losses to the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trailblazers, questions are already being asked about what the Lakers can do to improve in order to give themselves any chance of a successful season.
And today, trade talks are already emerging, with reliable source Shams Charania of The Athletic reporting that the Lakers are 'highly interested' in acquiring Charlotte Hornets point guard Terry Rozier.
Rozier has been a reliable player since entering the league in 2015, spending four years with the Boston Celtics before moving to a starting role in Charlotte, forming a strong backcourt with superstar LaMelo Ball.
But Rozier has been forced to play out of position in the shooting guard role in Charlotte, with many believing his best position to be at the point guard - which the Lakers could be looking to use him in.
That could spell the end for the aforementioned Westbrook, Lakers current starting point guard, who could be traded in order to facilitate a move for Rozier.
Westbrook has struggled mightily since joining the Lakers, most notably on the offensive end where his poor shot decisions have hurt the team, whilst his need to be on-ball has taken plays away from the Lakers two best players in James and Davis.
Rozier is seen as an effective player off-the-ball, being a much more reliable three-point shooter whilst also being strong defensively. He averaged 19 points, with four rebounds and four assists for the Hornets last season - shooting 37% from 3pt. Westbrook, meanwhile shot 29% from three-point range.
Rumours have been circulating about Westbrook's future, with ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that a move could be done after Thanksgiving (November 24).
The Lakers also brought back former point guard Dennis Schroder, who is currently sidelined with an injury but is expected to return to the roster in three weeks.
