The Los Angeles Lakers have had a big offseason, revamping their entire roster after a poor 2021-22 season. There’s no doubt that they had a tough year, finishing with a 33-49 record and missing the play-in tournament.
The team has already made some moves this summer, most recently signing Dennis Schroder. They also moved Talen Horton-Tucker to the Utah Jazz for Patrick Beverley earlier this off-season.
However, the team has still not managed to find a trade for Russell Westbrook. One of the more frequent scenarios for a Russell Westbrook trade involved the Indiana Pacers. The Los Angeles Lakers would receive Buddy Hield and Myles Turner in that scenario but would have to attach two of their first-round picks to the deal to provide draft compensation for the Pacers.
It seems as though the trade talks are over now though, as Pacers GM Chad Buchanan said that Myles Turner will be starting for the Pacers on opening night, and officially ended the potential Lakers trade talks.
“Pacers GM Chad Buchanan said this morning on @1075thefan that Myles Turner will be their starting center on opening night, officially ending the potential Lakers trade talks.”
According to Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers had some trade talks this week. However, they were unable to come to an agreement on a deal, as the Los Angeles Lakers were unwilling to give up two first-round picks for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1572699575093460993
“I’m told the Lakers and Pacers did engage in some trade conversations this week and the Pacers’ demand for two unprotected first-round picks … for any deal that includes Buddy Hield any Myles Turner… that two first-round pick price is just not appealing for the Lakers.”
Obviously, the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on potentially trading for true difference-makers for the franchise. However, it seems as though they have a good reason for doing so.
The Los Angeles Lakers Have A Vision For The Future
A previous report revealed the reason the Los Angeles Lakers were hesitant to give up future first-round picks just to deal away Russell Westbrook’s contract. They reportedly want to add a max contract player in 2023, and still be in possession of valuable picks.
According to a high-level Lakers source, their refusal to do Westbrook deals with Indiana and Utah that have been discussed in various capacities for months has everything to do with this hopeful vision for their future beyond this season. In July 2023 the Lakers could not only be flushed with enough cash to add another maximum-salary-level player but also in possession of their first-round picks from 2027 and 2029.
It remains to be seen if this approach pays off for the Los Angeles Lakers in the future. Obviously, there’s a chance that they will be able to add a max player and have picks to make moves, but that is not guaranteed.
As of right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are likely getting ready to start the season with their current roster. Hopefully, we see them bounce back from last season, and make it back to the playoffs under LeBron James’ leadership.
