The Los Angeles Lakers have won three of their last five games, but they are still firmly at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Although the squad has been playing better as of late, and it’s admirable that it has occurred with LeBron James out, it is largely only because they couldn’t possibly be any worse than they were at the beginning of the season.
Over the past few months, L.A. has been linked to a myriad of potential trades. One in particular that has come up over and over again involves Myles Turner and Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers.
Although Pacers brass has expressed a willingness to make the move, the Lakers have resisted the demanded asking price of their lone two remaining first-round draft picks in this decade.
This week, James sent a low-key message to the front office with one particular act on Instagram:
James is going to be 38 years old in just over a month. He has already been hurt more during his Lakers tenure than his entire career prior to that. He doesn’t have much time left.
In that respect, it is unsurprising that he would want Los Angeles to mortgage the future for the present.
This way of thinking has caused a quiet rift between him and the organization. It has even led to whispers about his likeliest landing spot if L.A. decides to blow the roster up and trade him next year.
But Rob Pelinka and Co. also obviously need to keep a big picture perspective. Short-sighted thinking is why the Lakers ended up with Russell Westbrook when significantly better options were on the table.
The front office has some options right now. There are three free agent sharpshooters available that could make an impact at minimal cost. There is a potential trade with the San Antonio Spurs that has been discussed.
What a week for the 49ers. https://t.co/1vLQgVu8bS
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 25, 2022
And obviously the Pacers deal for Turner and Hield continues to float around in the background, which James is clearly a fan of.
Which path will L.A. ultimately take when it’s all said and done?
Time will tell.
Related: Olivia Dunne’s Thanksgiving Day Outfit Photos Go Viral
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
