Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, C Myles Turner
Get used to seeing those picks attached to Westbrook’s name in these proposals. We’re taking “best” packages to mean the packages that will help the win-now Lakers, well, win. Now.
This deal would do exactly that. In fact, it may further the Lakers’ cause more than any other potential deal. Perhaps that’s why it’s so frequently rumored.
Myles Turner seems like the perfect big man to put alongside Anthony Davis. The two would give the Lakers a modernized Twin Towers look. Turner’s floor-spacing keeps driving and passing lanes open for James.
On the other end, his elite rim protection in drop coverage allows Davis to function where he seems to prefer – as a free safety and weak side shot blocker.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Meanwhile, Hield has always been a perfect target for the Lakers. In all likelihood, that’s why they nearly acquired him last summer. He’s one of the most consistent three-point threats in the NBA, and shooters, without fail, thrive alongside LeBron James.
Some will suggest that if this deal was going to get done, it would have already. We’re not sure what’s holding it up – the benefit to the Lakers is obvious, and the Indiana Pacers ought to value these two picks as a rebuilding organization.
