Rick Fox wishes team had traded for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner: "King James playing at his usual GOAT level even at 38"
Former NBA champion Rick Fox recently contemplated the LA Lakers trading for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. While highlighting LeBron James' impressive performances as of late, Fox presented the potential of Turner and Hield pairing up with the Lakers superstar.
The LA Lakers have been surprisingly impressive heading into 2023. Coming off a close 136-134 win against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, the Lakers managed to extend their winning streak to five games.
With one of the longest active winning streaks in the NBA, the Purple and Gold appear to be on the verge of turning their season around. A large part of their success in this regard can be attributed to LeBron James' high-quality performances.
James has looked virtually unstoppable as of late. While notching high-scoring outings on a daily basis, LeBron continues to prove that age is just a number for him.
Since his rather cryptic comments regarding his desire to win, the Lakers have switched gears. While embracing a physical and aggressive style of play, the team has certainly found a winning formula for themselves.
Read: Darvin Ham reckons LeBron James' controversial comments about Lakers' losing record sparked the fire amid their 5-game winning streak
The LA Lakers' current form also forces one to think about certain possibilities for the team. Several "what ifs" have emerged as people ponder the potential of the Lakers as they find themselves amidst trade rumors.
In this regard, former NBA champion and Lakers legend Rick Fox addressed the team's potential with Myles Turner and Buddy Hield joining forces with LeBron.
Fox tweeted his thoughts following the team's win against the Kings. He wrote:
"With @KingJames playing at his usual GOAT level even at 38 imagine if Myles Turner and @buddyhield were Lakers. We appreciate you Thomas Bryant. Let's get @AntDavis23 back and get this 2023."
Turner and Hield have been on the Lakers' trade radar for a significant amount of time. With several links tying the two parties together, the Purple and Gold almost always appear to be on the verge of trading for the two players.
The rumors surrounding the trade have faded in and out of the limelight over the last few months. But things are picking up steam again. A new situation is brewing in Indiana as Turner has reportedly declined a contract extension with the Pacers.
The LA Lakers can still pursue Myles Turner and Buddy Hield
As mentioned, the LA Lakers are still linked with the Indiana Pacers in trade talks for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. Although Turner declined his contract extension with the team, there is still hope to land both players.
However, a major aspect of this deal involves outgoing assets in the form of Russell Westbrook, along with draft capital. All trade talks between the Lakers and the Pacers involved the massive $47 million contract with Westbrook heading out from LA and two first round picks for Turner and Hield.
Given the Lakers' stance on trading away more draft capital, the Purple and Gold have been rightfully hesitant to pull the trigger. Additionally, given the way Westbrook is playing right now, offloading him may not be the best option for the Lakers, either.
Several factors influence the trade itself. However, it currently seems unlikely for the LA Lakers to move on from Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
With Thomas Bryant stepping up, Anthony Davis on the path to recovery and the Lakers emphasizing scoring in the paint, Buddy Hield and Turner may not be the right fit anymore.