Indiana Pacers

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

Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 1st Round Pick, 2029 1st Round Pick

The Indiana Pacers have been one of the longest-mentioned rumored trade partners for the Los Angeles Lakers. At this point, it feels like a matter of when, not if, the teams are going to come together on a deal.

There have been a few proposals exchanged, but none of them included both the 2027 and 2029 first-round pick. If those are now on the table, the Lakers should re-engage the Indiana Pacers in trade talks centered around Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.

Hield is a player that Los Angeles nearly acquired during the 2021 offseason. He was still a member of the Sacramento Kings at the time and things were so close that players were alerted of the trade.

But, at the last second, the Lakers pivoted to a deal to bring in Westbrook, costing them Alex Caruso in free agency along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and a draft pick in the package.

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Hield is an elite volume 3-point shooter that would thrive playing off of superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Turner would do the same given his floor spacing ability from the center position. He has never played with a playmaker of James’ caliber, so his offensive repertoire could expand no longer playing alongside someone in Domantas Sabonis who is better suited as a center.

Turner is also an elite rim protector. He would help get the Lakers back on track defensively as they slipped on that end of the court last season. Combined with Davis, Los Angeles would be very difficult to score on around the rim.