The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring the trade market to find the ideal center after Anthony Davis made his preference to shift back to power forward abundantly clear. A potential solution to their search could be Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, a player who checks every box for what the Lakers need.
According to insider Jovan Buha, Turner’s contract situation with Indiana could make him available, creating a tantalizing opportunity for Los Angeles to land their dream big man.
Los Angeles Laker receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers receive: Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, 2029 First-Round pick (Top 10 protected), 2025 Second-Round pick
This trade idea offers a win-win scenario for both sides. The Lakers land the versatile and impactful center they’ve been searching for, while the Pacers gain a valuable draft pick, solid role players, and roster flexibility.
Why Myles Turner Is the Perfect Fit for the Lakers?
Turner, 28, is the quintessential modern center. He’s averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game this season, showcasing his ability to both stretch the floor and protect the rim at an elite level.
Turner’s career-high 3-point shooting percentage of 39.3% makes him a significant upgrade over traditional rim-protecting centers, allowing the Lakers to space the floor and create better driving lanes for Davis and LeBron James. Defensively, Turner’s shot-blocking ability would provide the Lakers with the interior presence they’ve sorely lacked since Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee departed.
Jovan Buha highlighted that the Lakers are seeking a center who can space the floor and protect the rim, noting that Turner fits the bill perfectly. He believes a package including Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, and a draft pick would be necessary to make the deal happen, with the Lakers likely unwilling to part with multiple first-round picks.
“That, I think, the type of trade I’m talking about, that gets you the AD big, is a guy who can space the floor and also protect the rim at an elite level. I’m not quite sure what that package looks like.”
“Myles Turner is making 19-point-something, so it’s probably Rui, JHS, or Christian Wood—like some type of minimum-type contract, a first, and something else. I don’t think LA does two firsts for this trade. I don’t even know if they would do a swap; like, maybe it’s a first and a second, something like that, gets you in the conversation.”
For Los Angeles, the acquisition of Turner is a low-risk, high-reward move. Turner’s current contract, valued at $19.9 million, aligns well with their cap structure. If Turner thrives and the Lakers make a deep playoff run or win a championship, they could reward him with a lucrative extension in the offseason.
Conversely, if the pairing doesn’t pan out, the Lakers could let Turner walk in free agency without mortgaging too many future assets.
Davis’ desire to play power forward rather than center has been a recurring theme throughout his career. The addition of Turner would allow Davis to operate more freely on both ends of the floor, conserving his energy and potentially extending his prime years.
Pairing Turner’s floor-spacing and rim protection with Davis’ two-way dominance would create a formidable frontcourt tandem that could elevate the Lakers to legitimate title contenders.
The Pacers’ Perspective
The Indiana Pacers could find significant value in a trade involving Myles Turner, particularly with the assets they would receive in return. While Turner is a vital piece for Indiana, his contract situation—set to expire after the 2024-25 season—has created uncertainty for the franchise.
If the Pacers are hesitant to meet Turner’s expected demands for a significant payday in free agency, trading him now allows them to maximize his value while avoiding the risk of losing him for nothing.
Rui Hachimura (12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 48.7% FG, 41.0% 3PT FG), a key piece in this trade proposal, represents untapped potential. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly during the 2022-23 postseason with the Lakers, he has struggled to consistently perform at the level Los Angeles hoped for when they signed him to a three-year, $51 million extension. Moving to the Pacers could provide Hachimura with a fresh start and a greater opportunity to develop.
Indiana could help Hachimura refine his skill set and grow into a more consistent contributor. The Pacers have a younger core, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, and Hachimura’s versatile scoring and ability to stretch the floor could fit well alongside their rising stars. In a more structured developmental environment, Rui could find the consistency that has eluded him in Los Angeles.
Christian Wood adds a different kind of value to this trade. While his role with the Lakers has been limited, Wood’s expiring $3 million contract provides the Pacers with financial flexibility.
The inclusion of a top-10 protected 2029 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick is another enticing aspect of this trade for Indiana. The Pacers are in the midst of building a team that can contend in the Eastern Conference for years to come, and adding draft capital gives them more flexibility to pursue trades or draft high-upside prospects.
Landing Myles Turner would be a statement move by the Lakers, addressing their roster’s most glaring need. His skill set perfectly complements their existing core, and the trade package is balanced enough to keep Los Angeles competitive in the short term while preserving their future flexibility.
If the Lakers are serious about making another championship push during LeBron’s twilight years, this is the type of bold move they need to make.
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