The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

March 10, 1999

“SHARPSHOOTER RICE TRADED TO LAKERS”

The Charlotte Hornets traded F Glen Rice, F J.R. Reid, and G B.J. Armstrong to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for C / F Elden Campbell and G Eddie Jones.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Glen Rice, LAL: $5.428 M.

J.R. Reid, LAL: $780 K.

B.J. Armstrong, LAL: $2.8 M.

Elden Campbell, Cha: $7 M.

Eddie Jones, Cha: $2.2 M.

Notes:

• Rice can be a free agent this summer if the Lakers don’t exercise the option on his contract for next season.

• Armstrong was waived hours after the trade.

• Reid is a free agent this summer.

• Campbell receives $1.05 M as a result of a trade kicker clause.

• Jones is eligible for free agency next summer.

Who got the better of the deal?

Los Angeles.

Why?

This trade was inevitable once it became apparent the Hornets couldn't afford to extend Rice's contract. A superstar small forward, Rice expects superstar money -- as much as $14 million a season.

“We traded three very good players,” said Hornets’ GM Bob Bass, “and we got youth in one player (Jones) and a 7-footer in the other.”

The Hornets now have a very respectable starting lineup with Jones at big guard, Campbell at center, Derrick Coleman at power forward, Bobby Phills at small forward and David Wesley at point guard.

Eddie is not a great perimeter shooter; however, he is a good on the ball defender who flourishes in the open court.

Elden struggles with consistency because he didn’t receive consistent minutes behind Shaq. However, now that he will be starting with the Hornets, Elden has the ability to produce about 18 points and 8 rebounds a contest.

When F Anthony Mason recovers from his injury to play next season, the Hornets will have a dilemma in the front court. Mase isn’t a good enough shooter to play small forward; however, he is effective running the offense from the low post.

“We needed to address an area where it's hard to address, a shooter,” Lakers Executive VP Jerry West said. “And we feel we got someone who you will never be able to leave where he is on the court.” “I think our bottom line was that we just didn't feel that we had anyone here that could make shots on a consistent basis, particularly when the game was on the line.”

“I got a shooter and I got another thug power forward,” said Laker center Shaquille O'Neal, who had campaigned for a pure three-point shooter to offset inside double teams. “Ain't no excuses now, for me or anybody else in this locker room. We should be on our way.”

Acquiring Rice makes the Lakers a definite favorite to win the title this season. Glen is one of the best pure shooters in the league. He’ll force opponents to choose their poison: double team Shaq; double team Kobe, either option would leave Glen open to knock down open shots all game long.

J.R. Reid will backup Shaq and Dennis Rodman at the power spots. J.R. excelled with the Hornets during the early part of this season mainly because he was the focal point of Charlotte’s offense due to injuries to Rice and Mason. With the Lakers, he’ll bang bodies, score some garbage points, and irritate opponents.

However, some questions remain: Will Glen accept being the third option on offense? Will Glen accept the challenge issued to him by Lakers’ coach Kurt Rambis to improve his individual defense?

If titles were won simply based on talent, the Lakers would be a lock; however, talent alone is not enough to win the ring.