A blockbuster NBA trade sends Luka Doncic to the Lakers, shaking up the league and possibly impacting LaMelo Ball’s future with the Hornets. Plus, we break down Charlotte’s gritty weekend against the Nuggets and Clippers, Mark Williams’ defensive progress, and what the Mavs’ first-round pick could mean for the Hornets.
Luka Doncic is heading to the Lakers and De'Aaron Fox is on his way to the Spurs, and the ripple effects could hit the Charlotte Hornets sooner than you think. In this episode, we break down how the shocking trade alters the NBA landscape and whether it signals the end of LaMelo Ball-to-LA and LaMelo to Spurs rumors. More importantly, what does it mean for the Hornets' 2027 first-round pick from Dallas, which is looking juicier by the day?
Meanwhile, the Hornets showed some real fight over the weekend, pushing the defending champion Nuggets to the brink before falling short. Mark Williams had one of his best defensive games yet against Nikola Jokic, but did his struggles on offense cancel that out? Plus, with key injuries piling up, is Charlotte’s newfound competitive spirit sustainable?
We also discuss the trade deadline's local angles, including how the Hornets could leverage their assets in a league where even superstars like Luka aren’t safe. Could Charlotte pull the trigger on a big move this summer?
And finally, is Moussa Diabaté worth keeping despite his lack of a jump shot, and what does K.J. Simpson need to prove to stick in the NBA? We answer all that and more in today’s episode of Locked On Hornets.
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