Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner, G Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 First-Round PIck, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top-8 Protected)
The Indiana Pacers have clearly made their demands in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. They want as much draft capital as possible, which is understandable. They are doing the Los Angeles Lakers a favor by taking on Russell Westbrook.
To get creative and not surrender multiple first-round picks, the Lakers add a high-upside young player in Talen Horton-Tucker to the mix. The 2029 first-round pick is also included, but Los Angeles puts a little bit of protection on the pick in case they bottom out and things go poorly in the next few seasons.
Heading to Los Angeles are two rotation players that will upgrade the roster in a major way. Myles Turner and Buddy Hield are both excellent fits alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis and should help get the team back on track.
Los Angeles could also look to add T.J. McConnell and/or Daniel Theis to this trade since they are parting with so much salary.
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However, adding more beyond Turner and Hield would likely require the protection to be removed from the 2029 pick or more draft capital, such as second-round picks, to be involved.
How does this trade impact each team? Let’s take a look at it from both of their perspectives, starting with the Lakers.
