The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a really weird spot when it comes to what their roster will look like going into next season. On one hand, there is optimism that the Lakers might be able to swing a trade for the disgruntled Kyrie Irving and reunite him with LeBron James. On the other, there are reports that they might want to give Russell Westbrook another season.
However, it works out for them. There are certainly options beyond Irving that the Lakers can look at should they decide to move the reported package of Westbrook and Talen Horton-Tucker. And one of the deals that has been discussed is with the Indiana Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
While there are no concrete reports on such a transaction going through, the latest report from Sean Deveney of Heavy.com suggests that Turner himself would be open to the idea of being dealt to the team.
“Turner, for his part, has been open to a trade out of Indiana going back two years, and he was expecting to be dealt at last season’s deadline instead of Sabonis. A source with knowledge of the situation told Heavy.com, ‘Of course he would be open to a trade to the Lakers.’
Turner has been linked with a move away from the Pacers for a long time, and a change of scenery might suit the big man. His ability to shoot and protect the rim makes him a valuable commodity in the modern game, and if Buddy Hield is also a part of said trade, that would allow the Lakers to add athleticism and shooting to their roster, just like Darvin Ham reportedly wants.
Deandre Ayton is being linked with Indiana in other news, which would mean that they are also actively looking to move Myles on. If a deal can be worked out, it would certainly be a solid move for the Lakers and might just help them get back on track to contend in the Western Conference once again.