For months, the Los Angeles Lakers have been connected to the Indiana Pacers in trade rumors. They were one of the first teams listed as a potential suitor for Russell Westbrook early on in the offseason and throughout the NBA offseason the teams exchanged different frameworks and trade proposals.
Nothing came to fruition, as the sides never really seemed to get close. The Lakers had their eyes on center Myles Turner and shooting guard Buddy Hield, but the asking price was high. Indiana wanted not one, but both of the future first-round picks that Los Angeles has available to trade in 2027 and 2029.
Given the current position of the franchise, as they are built to win now and compete with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the hesitancy to move draft picks is surprising.
Rob Pelinka made a promise to James when he signed a two-year extension in August and he has failed to live up to it as the Lakers are currently tied with the Houston Rockets for the least wins in the NBA.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
There is no doubt that Turner and Hield would help the Lakers immensely. Their skill sets are exactly what the team needs. However, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, there are people within the organization that don’t believe they push them toward becoming contenders.
“It is not universally believed internally that a trade for Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and sharpshooter Buddy Hield would move the needle to title contention, sources say.”
While that is probably true, as this roster needs a ton of work, there is no denying that Turner and Hield would make them more competitive. Turner is an ideal fit alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt as he would enable Davis to play power forward exclusively, something he has not been shy about saying he prefers.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Turner has shown this season an expanded offensive game as well, as he is more than just a 3-point shooter. Speaking of 3-point shooting, if you went into a laboratory to create the perfect complement offensively to James, it would be Hield.
Hield is an elite high-volume 3-point shooter and has shown during his time with the Pacers that is capable of more as an offensive player. He leaves something to be desired as a defender, but when you can shoot and score at the clip he does, teams will make it work.
3-point shooting is the Achilles heel of the Lakers currently and these guys would help turn that around immediately. The purple and gold would be more respectable and more competitive with them on the roster.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
While they may fall short of contender status, that quartet with supporting players such as Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker IV and Troy Brown Jr. at least resembles what could be a winning roster. Russell Westbrook would likely be part of the deal heading back to Indiana, but if he was retained, he has shown he can thrive playing with the second unit.
