Famous reporter Shams: Hornets have cut Okogie, he will join the Lakers with a veteran minimum salary

Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers, which are loved and watched by fans, welcomed the core of the team in the next few years, namely "European Magician" Doncic. To this end, they had to send Anthony Davis, Christie and a future first-round pick.

James, Doncic and Reeves, such configuration naturally gives the Lakers good combat effectiveness; therefore, they can play gratifying basketball at the end of the regular season, overcome obstacles and pass the hurdles along the way; in the end, the Purple and Gold Army directly advanced to the playoffs with the third place in the West.

It's a pity that after completing the Doncic transaction, General Manager Pelinka did not introduce an excellent big man as soon as possible to make up for the vacancy of Brother Davis's runaway. There was no way, Redick could only use Ryan and Hayes, but these two big men could not support the team's inside line at all. In the first round of the playoffs, he was completely beaten by Randall, Gobert, Reed and others. Under the impact of the Timberwolves, the Purple Gold Legion could only accept the fate of being eliminated. At the season summary meeting, Pelinka promised to build a competitive new team around James and Doncic; and during the offseason, they will introduce as big and wing defensive players as much as possible.

So, we can see that after the offseason arrived, the Los Angeles Lakers really took the initiative to attack, selected Thiero, and completed the signing with Laravic and Ayton. However, Pelinka's operations seem to have not stopped and are still active in the trading market. According to ESPN reporter Shams, sources revealed that the Hornets have cut guard Josh Okogie by July 15 to prevent his $7.75 million salary from becoming a guaranteed salary in the 2025-26 season. Okogie's next home will be the Los Angeles Lakers, and Pelinka provides a veteran's basic salary.

Okoji has good athletic ability and excellent defensive skills, and can guard any top offensive player; Okoji joins the Lakers, which will definitely make up for Doncic's shortcomings and provide more positive energy for the Lakers to win. In the 2024-25 season, Okogi averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.