Confirmed deal : Lakers Land Their Dream Center In Proposed Trade Idea With The Pacers

 

 

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 recieve: Myles Turner 

Indiana Pacers recieve: 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.

 

 

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.”