Lance Stephenson-Kobe Bryant Deal Would Make Sense

We can dream, right? Do so, because this Lance Stephenson for Kobe Bryant trade scenario is interesting. Most of all, it makes sense on both sides for the Hornets and Lakers.

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So, Michael Jordan, how is that Lance Stephenson signing working out for you?

Asking that question to His Airness would put you in an awkward state, but the Charlotte Hornets definitely aren’t getting much from their big free agent acquisition, who enters Wednesday’s play shooting .367 from the field and a .182 mark from 3-point range that screams “Brick Layer!” That’s not what the 4-14 Hornets were expecting when they signed Stephenson to a two-year, $18 million deal this summer.

Granted, the Hornets couldn’t move Stephenson until December 15, but once that date arrives, the guys from sportsgrid,com came up with one heck of a trade suggestion:

Move Stephenson to the Los Angeles Lakers for one Kobe Bean Bryant.

The Mamba in something other than a Lakers uniform? Blasphemy, you say. Hold on, though, because the scenario makes more sense than it appears.

Adding Stephenson gives the Lakers a young scorer (OK, a young scorer once he finds his range) while freeing up $16 million off the salary cap. Desperation could also lead the Lakers to at least one of the Hornets’ six first round picks through 2020, which likely would be of the lottery variety.

Kobe to the Hornets would give them an elite scorer who’d match up well with big man Al Jefferson, but it’s the financial aspect that works best for Charlotte, which could end up with the massive contracts of both Bryant and Jefferson off the books in 2016 (“Hi, can I talk with Kevin Durant?”).

Doubtful? Yes? Does it make sense? Yes.

Stay tuned….

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