The Los Angeles Lakers came into the 2021-22 NBA season with championship aspirations.
Unfortunately, 30 games in, they sit at 16-14 on the year and sixth in the Western Conference.
Clearly LA needs to make a move of some sort to pump some life back into its season.
There has been chatter of doing some sort of deal involving Russell Westbrook. In fact, the Lakers have had conversations with two separate teams on that topic. But it remains to be seen if anything will ultimately materialize on that front.
Fortunately, that is not the only option that is on the table.
According to NBA insider John Hollinger of The Athletic, Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner makes sense for LA on a number of levels.
“So the name I’m left with for the Lakers is Myles Turner,” Hollinger wrote.
“He makes $18 million, so his salary works if Nunn and Horton-Tucker are outbound. He’s already signed for next season at that number, so the Lakers’ salaries won’t get too out of hand in the final $47 million year on Westbrook’s deal.
“Turner plays center, which allows Davis to play his preferred power forward spot, but he’s a 3-point shooter who won’t get in the way like the current Laker centers do. His biggest weakness is rebounding, but Davis and LeBron are so good on that front, it probably won’t hurt L.A.”
On paper this trade would be perfect for the Lakers. It is a much more sensible addition than Westbrook was in the offseason.
The perks of being a star NFL quarterback. https://t.co/41jjiHQn7C
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 15, 2021
However, it remain to be seen if the Pacers will deem that a legitimate enough package for Turner. They have had conversations with the Golden State Warriors that seem to be better, so it’s unclear whether LA’s offering will be tantalizing enough.
If it is, though – this could be the move that turns the Lakers’ entire season around.
Related: Lakers Discuss Russell Westbrook Trade With 2 NBA Teams
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.