Myles Turner predicts breakout season after urging LA Lakers to consider trading for him
Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner has predicted that this will be his breakout season. After a series of unfortunate injuries in the last two years, Turner is motivated to stay healthy and prove the doubters wrong. He has been involved in a lot of trade rumors.
Myles Turner is playing in his eighth season for the Pacers. He has averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.2 assists and 0.7 steals in his career. Turner has evolved his game. He's a big man who can shoot from distance and play solid defense.
His skill-set is quite valuable in today's game. Turner could be in the running to have a breakout season if he stays healthy.
Myles Turner had this say during his conversation with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on "The Woj Pod":
"Goal No. 1 is staying healthy. ...The best ability is availability. Second, I want to get back to that defensive prowess out there. I still have All-Star level talent, and I want to be able to put it on display to make those All-Star teams. I think I’m in a great position to do so."
"I think this will probably be the year that I break out. Defensively, I want to make that first All-Defensive Team. That’s something I want to do on an individual level and get my name back in that conversation and stay up there with the elites in this league."
Myles Turner shoots his shot about getting traded to the LA Lakers
During the podcast, Myles Turner expressed his desire to get traded to the LA Lakers. The Lakers have been floundering this season. His name was attached to the Lakers in trade rumors this summer.
According to reports, the Pacers were willing to send Turner and Buddy Hield to the Lakers. They asked for Russell Westbrook and the Lakers' 2027 and 2029 first-round picks in return.
Turner believes he is more valuable to the Lakers than those first-round picks:
“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 a team. My leadership, my shot-blocking, my three-point ability, and just my ability to make plays out there on the floor."
"And I’d take a very long look at it. But as far as pulling the trigger, I get paid to shoot, not to make these calls. So I couldn’t answer that.”
The LA Lakers have been the worst 3-point shooting team in the league. They have a 1-5 record to start the season. Russell Westbrook is arguably their only tradeable piece right now.
The Pacers duo will provide the LA Lakers with some much-needed shooting. Turner's addition to the roster will allow Anthony Davis to play in his preferred role as a power forward.