The Los Angeles Lakers made some big moves during the 2021 offseason. Unfortunately, they haven’t worked out for the Purple and Gold. They are expected to be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline.
That’s why everybody has linked them with several players around the league, trying to solve the team’s issues. The Lakers have many things to improve and their floor spacing is one of them. Besides, they are struggling at the paint and neither Dwight Howard nor DeAndre Jordan has been impactful on the defensive end of the ball.
Los Angeles could solve these two issues at once if they trade for an Eastern Conference big man that will provide a boost on defense and will space the floor for LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis.
Former NBA executive and writer for The Athletic, John Hollinger, has a series of options for the Lakers. He knows the team will have a hard time trading for players, but there’s an option they could explore in Indiana. Hollinger says Myles Turner could be a realistic target for the 17-time NBA champions.
So the name I’m left with for the Lakers is Myles Turner. He makes $18 million, so his salary works if Nunn and Horton-Tucker are outbound. He’s already signed for next season at that number, so the Lakers’ salaries won’t get too out of hand in the final $47 million year on Westbrook’s deal. Turner plays center, which allows Davis to play his preferred power forward spot, but he’s a 3-point shooter who won’t get in the way like the current Laker centers do. His biggest weakness is rebounding, but Davis and LeBron are so good on that front, it probably won’t hurt L.A.
This is an interesting option for a squad that could benefit from all the things Turner brings to the table. A couple of days ago, reports suggested the Indiana Pacers would be willing to trade Turner, Domantas Sabonis, and Caris LeVert away, with the two big men showing their unhappiness with the situation.
Turner reacted to that report saying he would like to find a new challenge in the league. He was priorly linked with the Golden State Warriors, but the Lakers look like a good destination for him, too. It’s still early to say if he’ll leave the Pacers this season, but Myles won’t miss suitors if he’s on the trade block.
This season, he’s averaging 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting for 51.3% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc.
