The Los Angeles Lakers greatly improved their franchise’s chances of contention when they traded Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick to get a package of D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
These 3 players have had a strong impact on the Lakers, but the team cannot be satisfied. With the franchise expected to run it back next season after assembling this team too late in the season, the Lakers have the chance to make minor adjustments to their roster. One of those adjustments could be swapping a shooter for a shooter.
The Lakers were heavily linked to Buddy Hield for almost the entirety of this season. In the offseason of 2023, the Lakers can finally get their man with this package.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: Malik Beasley, Davon Reed, 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
The Indiana Pacers Finally Move On
If the Pacers finally let Hield go, this may be the best package they can get in terms of players that could be useful in their attempts to become a playoff team. Beasley would also thrive next to Tyrese Haliburton and be extremely useful for the Pacers. Unless some team offers the Pacers a first-round pick for the expiring contract of Hield in the summer, the Lakers should be frontrunners to make a swing to acquire him.
The team showed promise to begin this season but fell apart over the winter. They don’t look to be in contention for the playoffs this season anymore, which is incredibly sad for Hield, who has never been to the playoffs in his career. The Pacers won’t want to stay at the bottom of the East with an All-Star talent like Haliburton, and Hield could be a valuable floor-raiser. However, he doesn’t match the timeline the Pacers are on as a 30-year-old.
Beasley is a 26-year-old with a greater arsenal of moves off the dribble as well, which could add versatility to the Pacers’ offense. There is room to grow still, and the pacers may like the chance to develop Malik further while relying on his already established skill-set to stretch the floor even with Hield gone. Further moves can always be made, but it is time for the Pacers to end Hield’s time on the squad and let him compete for a title on a team like the Lakers.
The Best Role-Playing Shooter Joins The Lakers
Both teams will virtually swap the expiring contracts of both players, though Hield has a more expensive contract. Unless the Pacers want to push for contention and demand that Hield stays, this trade makes sense for both parties.
Statistically speaking, Buddy Hield has proven himself to be one of the best shooters of this generation. He’s one of the only pure shooters in the NBA that can rival the likes of Stephen Curry in volume shooting and efficiency. Hield doesn’t have the same varied skill set that Curry has, but he can definitely sit in the corner and make 3’s at a very consistent rate.
Beasley has struggled in his first month on the Lakers, shooting just 35.3% from three on 8.3 attempts. Hield is shooting 42.4% on threes with 8.7 attempts per game. Hield would fit like a glove on the Lakers and benefit greatly from their drive-and-kick style of play when LeBron James is healthy and available.
If the Lakers bring back most of the players from this year’s roster, they will be a force to be reckoned with next season. Shooting is a premium skill when you’re playing alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron. Hield’s pure-shooting ability and veteran experience make him an extremely intriguing option for the Lakers. His lack of playoff appearances may be a downside to making this trade. The Lakers will hope that ability can transition into the postseason and give the Lakers a final crack at winning a title in the LeBron James era.
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