LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Myles Turner could head to Clippers, fans go wild over Buddy Hield trade speculation, and more
LA Lakers trade target Myles Turner is reportedly now being targeted by one of the their biggest rivals as well.
In other news, Lakers fans have started to grow excited as speculation regarding a trade for Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield continues to increase.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Nov. 17, 2022.
Myles Turner could be headed to LA Clippers
The LA Lakers have long been rumored to be interested in the Indiana Pacers' stretch-five Myles Turner. But according to a recent report from Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, they may not be the only team in LA interested in Turner.
“According to multiple sources, the Clippers have discussed targeting Myles Turner in the market,” Pincus said.
“The Clippers are believed to be shopping some of their excess wing depth and are less likely to move a ball-handling guard like Reggie Jackson or John Wall.
“Team governor Steve Ballmer has shown a willingness to pay luxury taxes — the need to pay Turner after the season wouldn't be a deterrent for L.A.”
The LA Clippers only have one true big man in their rotation in Ivica Zubac, so it would make sense for them to flip some of their wing depth for Turner. However, it would likely be painful for Lakers fans to see one of their most coveted trade targets go to their cross-town rivals.
Myles Turner has averaged 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game through eight games for Indiana. He also has an impressive shooting split of 52.9/37.9/84.6.
The Pacers as a team are 7-6 and sixth in the Eastern Conference. If Turner and Indiana continue to play this well, his trade value is likely to increase.
For more on the LA Clippers' interest in Myles Turner, click here.
LA Lakers fans go wild over Buddy Hield trade speculation
There was more positive news for the LA Lakers' fans involving the team's other Indiana Pacers trade target, Buddy Hield.
Hield still appears to be a very realistic option for LA. Lakers fans were particularly excited after general manager Rob Pelinka was reportedly seen flying to Indiana recently.
This also came around the time that Hield posted a cryptic tweet, saying “Ayyooo” with multiple eye emojis.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was reportedly seen boarding a flight to Indianapolis. Buddy Hield seems to have received some exciting news.
Something brewing for LA? 🤔
(h/t @SportEnthus562) twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/BIYRpla2Ks
Whether or not this has anything to do with trade discussions between the Lakers and Pacers remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Lakers fans are very excited about the possibility of adding Buddy Hield’s shooting to the team.
Hield has averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game through 13 games. He has played a key role in Indiana's 7-6 start to the season.
More importantly, he is shooting 41.6% from 3-point land on 9.6 attempts per game. His potential addition would invariably boost the LA Lakers, who rank dead-last in the league with just 30.7% shooting from beyond the arc.
LA Lakers may be waiting for a possible Bradley Beal trade
The LA Lakers have been hesitant to make a big trade so far. This reportedly may have to do with the possibility of Washington Wizards All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal becoming available through trade soon.
NBA Insiders Howard Beck and Chris Mannix spoke about the possibility recently on their podcast, “The Crossover NBA Show.” Beck mentioned that he heard the rumors directly from a Western Conference executive who thinks Beal could waive his no-trade clause to join LA:
‘‘So here was the quote from the Western Conference executive I spoke to who had mentioned this.
‘‘He says, ‘Washington is the one that I keep thinking that’s going to happen. … [Bradley Beal] got a no-trade clause, he wants to come to California’ — That was an interesting tidbit of this — ‘He essentially can pick where he wants to go (because of his no-trade clause).’
“So that’s the logic that the Western Conference exec was laying out to me, and he said this: ‘Whatever you want to say about Pelinka, he’s being smart, he’s taking his time,’” Beck continued.
The Washington Wizards currently have a better record than the LA Lakers. The Wizards are 8-7 and seventh in the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers are 3-10 and 14th in the Western Conference.
However, if LA can find a way to pair Bradley Beal up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they will be expected to improve quickly.
Beal has averaged 21.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game on 51.2% shooting through 10 games.