Myles Turner calls for trade to LA Lakers openly: “I take a very hard look at this with the position that you're in”
Dating back to the offseason, Myles Turner has been a name heavily connected to the LA Lakers. Given that the Indiana Pacers have opted to move towards a rebuild, they've been one of the top candidates to take on Russell Westbrook and his monstrous contract.
After starting the year 1-5, it's clear the Lakers need to make some changes. Previous reports stated they want to wait until Thanksgiving, but it might be too late by then. With how things are trending now, they could be on the outside looking in on the playoffs for the second-straight season.
At 26-years-old, Turner is in the prime of his career. The former 11th overall pick is a high-level shot blocker who's managed to take his offensive game beyond the three-point line. In his most recent outing, he posted 27 points and five blocks in a win over the Washington Wizards.
Recently, the Pacers big man was a guest on "The Woj Pod" with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. When the idea of getting traded to LA was brought up, he said it's something the team should strongly consider.
"If I'm the Lakers, I take a very hard look at this with the position that you're in."
"I know what I can provide for a team. My leadership, my shot-blocking, my three-point ability. Just my ability to make plays out there on the floor. I take a very long look at it."
Should the Lakers give up the two picks? Full audio of Pacers center Myles Turner on The Woj Pod: apple.co/3fnF4no https://t.co/GZvSg9BLyp
Should the Lakers surrender two first-round picks for Myles Turner in a trade with the Indiana Pacers?
Myles Turner said it best. With the position that the LA Lakers are in, they should take a long look at any avenue to improving their roster. They might not be flashy names, but he and Buddy Hield are two players who could be significant upgrades.
It's evident that Russell Westbrook is not a good fit for the team, and likely never will be. Knowing this, the Lakers should be doing whatever they can to get him off the roster. Giving up two unprotected first-round picks is tough, but it's the cost of doing business.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have proven how lethal they can be when surrounded by reliable shooting. Bringing in the two Pacers veterans instantly solves the team's biggest issue as the Lakers are currently dead last in three-point percentage.
Since Turner is in the final year of his contract, there is a risk to a trade of this sort. That said, given how seamless of a fit he and Hield are, LA should be more than willing to roll the dice.