According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers have engaged in trade talks this week about a potential deal to land Buddy Hield and Myles Turner in Los Angeles. For now, LA is unwilling to send out multiple first-round picks, however.
Charania said on a recent episode of the Rally the Lakers recognize that the club’s future unprotected first-round picks might be their best trade asset, and for that reason the front office is treading careful. There are concerns that Hield and Turner aren’t the strongest possible package available. In Indiana, meanwhile, Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan stated Myles Turner would be his team’s starting center on opening night.
Other reporting suggests the Lakers are indeed being proactive about a potential roster upgrade. According to Charania, there’s “a long runway” with Russell Westbrook, and that LA would proceed prudently. As such, no deal is imminent, but the Lakers do appear to be actively weighing their options.
You can hear Charnia’s full comments below:
The Lakers and Pacers engaged in trade conversations this week per @ShamsCharania.
Los Angeles was unwilling to part with two unprotected first-round picks for any deal involving Buddy Hield or Myles Turner.
🎥 @TheRallypic.twitter.com/fZa29iromA
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) September 21, 2022
