NBA Rumors: Chances Of Hornets Superstar Leaving Dwindling

Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets is one of the many popular names expected to be pursued this summer although the NBA guard says that his current team is the priority. The 9th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft has been linked to several teams - particularly the Los Angeles Lakers who are out to get the second superstar to help out LeBron James.

According to The Athletic, Walker says that Charlotte is definitely his first priority. Having played there for his entire eight-year NBA stint, it comes to no surprise that he would want to stick to the team where he is blossoming. And while that may be good news to team owner Michael Jordan, it will be interesting if the 29-year-old guard will stay pat on his decision if he is not given a supermax deal.

Walker is eligible for a five-year $221.3 million deal instead of $189.7 million after making it to the 2018-19 All-NBA Third team. If this is to become a factor, the three-time NBA All-Star stands to earn best with the Hornets since other teams can only dangle him a four-year $140.6 million deal. Doing the math, that is approximately a $49.1 million difference if he opts to jump to another franchise, Lakers Nation reported.

Also interesting is whether Walker would consider targeting an NBA title. With other superstars opting to join teams to form a powerhouse ballclub, winning is something that may come to play. But for the 6-foot-1 guard, winning is not guaranteed anywhere - even if one has multiple superstars on one team. Assuming for example that he somehow agrees to join James and the Lakers, they could still be a couple of players short of taking aim at the grand prize.

Also, it may be wise to note that the Lakers do have priorities as far as filling up that point guard position. Kyrie Irving remains a target and Walker could be a second option. There are other teams also in hot pursuit of Uncle Drew like the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. The Boston Celtics are still in play, assuming team president Danny Ainge is able to find a way to convince the 27-year-old guard to stay in Bean Town.

Other players who have been mentioned as possible cagers to fill up the Lakers second superstar void are Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul. A clearer picture on how things will turn out for Los Angeles may only take shape after the 2019 NBA Draft and of course the frenzied free agency period.