The Los Angeles Lakers have long been searching for the perfect frontcourt partner for Anthony Davis, and they may have found their solution in a three-team trade idea involving the Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith
Indiana Pacers receive: Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round pick (1-10 protected)
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Second-Round pick (from Los Angeles Clippers)
This idea provides key roster upgrades for all three teams while addressing specific needs. The Lakers land a defensive anchor in Turner and a sharpshooting wing in Nesmith, the Pacers bolster their depth while adding a future draft asset, and the Trail Blazers get promising young talent to aid their rebuild.
Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Lakers?
The Lakers have pursued Myles Turner for years, and this trade finally brings him to Los Angeles. Turner is averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 47.9% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim makes him an ideal fit alongside Anthony Davis.
Turner provides much-needed spacing for a Lakers team that struggles with floor balance. His three-point shooting ensures that Davis can operate freely in the paint without clogging the lane. Defensively, he adds an elite shot-blocking presence, reducing the burden on Davis to guard opposing centers for an entire game.
Aaron Nesmith, a promising wing, is also included in the deal. Though he just returned from injury, he has already shown strong efficiency, averaging 8.8 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 54.4% from the field and 50.0% from three. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points and shot 41.9% from deep, proving that he can be a legitimate floor spacer.
The Lakers rank in the middle of the league in three-point percentage and could use another reliable shooter. Nesmith fits the bill, giving them a consistent threat from beyond the arc. Additionally, he provides solid perimeter defense, something that will help the Lakers against elite scoring guards in the Western Conference.
Why The Pacers Make This Deal?
Indiana is currently 5th in the West with a 25-20 record but has been exploring the idea of moving Turner for a while. By acquiring Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle, and Gabe Vincent, the Pacers gain a combination of defensive prowess, depth, and future draft assets.
Robert Williams III is an elite rim protector when healthy. He’s averaging 5.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks per game, and shooting 65.1% from the field. If he stays healthy, he can be a defensive anchor alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Matisse Thybulle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 34.6% from three. His ability to guard elite wings will be valuable for Indiana.
Gabe Vincent has struggled this season, averaging 4.9 points and 1.3 assists, but he has playoff experience from his time with the Miami Heat. The Pacers hope he can regain his form as a reliable backup guard.
Additionally, Indiana receives a 2029 first-round pick (1-10 protected), ensuring they have a valuable future asset.
Why The Trail Blazers Make This Deal?
Portland is in full rebuild mode, sitting at 18-29 in the standings. This trade allows them to add Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino, two young players who can develop with their core of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deandre Ayton.
Rui Hachimura is averaging 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 49.2% from the field and 40.9% from three. Though his production has dipped, he has the talent to become a key offensive piece in Portland. He could thrive in a bigger role on a rebuilding team.
Jalen Hood-Schifino has barely played for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.0 points in two games. The Lakers already declined his fourth-year rookie option, but the Blazers can give him more playing time to see if he develops into a solid rotational player.
The Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick gives Portland another draft asset for its rebuild. This move allows Portland to move on from players who don’t fit its long-term vision while adding young talent and draft capital.
This trade provides a win-win scenario for all three teams. The Lakers land Myles Turner, solving their lack of size and rim protection, while Aaron Nesmith adds three-point shooting and defense. The Pacers improve their roster depth and add a valuable first-round pick, and the Trail Blazers continue their rebuild with young assets and a draft pick.
This move could be the missing piece for Los Angeles’s deep playoff run. The Lakers currently have a 26-20 record and are sixth in the West, but injuries and inconsistent bench production have plagued them all season. Adding Turner and Nesmith strengthens their frontcourt and perimeter shooting, giving LeBron James and Anthony Davis the support they need.
With the February 6 trade deadline approaching, the Lakers will be active in trade discussions. If this deal comes to fruition, it could be the move that transforms them into legitimate title contenders.
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