The Los Angeles Lakers may have a golden opportunity to address their pressing need for a reliable center, as Indiana Pacers star Myles Turner could potentially become available before the February 6 trade deadline. According to insider Jovan Buha on his podcast, there has been “chatter” around Turner’s status, primarily due to his contract situation rather than Indiana’s desire to part ways with him.
“I have heard a little bit of chatter about that, about some uncertainty, and not Lakers-specific—just kind of league chatter in terms of Turner and him potentially, like, if he’s available, it would be more so because of Indiana and the contract situation and not as much about them.”
“Because Indiana is not really a team that tanks or looks to, like, sell off players, but that could be an exception just based on his contract situation and, you know, the future.”
“So that would be something that, like, if Myles Turner is available, I think if you’re the Lakers, like, you have to go get him because he just fits perfectly next to AD on both sides of the floor. He spaces the floor, and he’s a rim protector. Like, that would be the ideal—even I’d take him over Walker Kessler.”
“Like, Kessler, for the age and the contract, puts him in a different stratosphere, but in terms of, like, actual fit, I think Myles Turner is the best two-way fit among all of the potential realistic big man options.”
Buha noted that Turner’s impending free agency might compel Indiana to explore trade scenarios, especially if they’re uncertain about retaining him in the long term. The Pacers aren’t typically a franchise that tanks or sells off valuable assets, but given Turner’s unique contract situation, he could become an exception.
Buha emphasized that Turner’s fit with the Lakers would be ideal, describing him as the perfect complement to Anthony Davis. Turner’s ability to space the floor with his shooting and protect the rim defensively would address two critical areas for the Lakers.
From a statistical perspective, Turner has continued to prove his worth as one of the league’s most versatile centers. This season, he is averaging 15.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game. Additionally, his career-high 39.6% shooting from beyond the arc adds a dimension to his game that few big men possess. His combination of rim protection and offensive versatility makes him an attractive trade target for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt.
The Pacers, currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 24-20 record, face a difficult decision. They made an unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and remain in the playoff hunt.
However, they aren’t viewed as legitimate contenders against powerhouses like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks. Trading Turner could yield valuable assets, such as draft picks and young players, which could set Indiana up for sustained success in the future. Alternatively, retaining him could risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
For the Lakers, acquiring Turner could significantly elevate their playoff aspirations. The team has been actively exploring options to add a center, particularly one that could allow Davis to shift back to his preferred position at power forward. Turner fits the bill perfectly, offering defensive support in the paint while also spacing the floor offensively. Pairing Turner with Davis and LeBron James could make the Lakers a formidable force in the Western Conference, particularly in the playoffs.
The Lakers, however, may face challenges in crafting a trade package enticing enough for Indiana. The Pacers are likely to demand a strong return, including young players or draft capital, given Turner’s value. Nevertheless, if the Lakers can pull off a trade, it would address one of their biggest roster deficiencies and position them as a legitimate title contender.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers will undoubtedly monitor Turner’s availability closely. With his skill set and contract situation creating uncertainty in Indiana, this could be the move that defines the Lakers’ season and potentially reshapes their title hopes.
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