Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner, G/F Buddy Hield

You’ve probably seen this proposal before. In fact, you’ve probably even seen it on this page. In our minds, it makes too much sense not to happen.

In fact, it’s our favorite hypothetical Lakers trade for this summer.

It’s hard to envision a better big to pair with Anthony Davis than Myles Turner. His elite rim protection in drop coverage would allow Davis to function as a free safety. On offense, his ability to space the floor would offset Davis’ shortcomings in that area.

So, for that matter, would Hield’s spacing. More importantly, he’ll maximize LeBron James’ elite playmaking. In fact, that’s likely why the Lakers almost acquired Hield last summer in the first place.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates

If the Lakers want to correct the mistakes of their past, they’ll throw the Indiana Pacers both of their first-round picks to bring Hield (and Turner) on board. As a rebuilding team, they should be in no position to decline the offer.