NBA Rumors: LA Lakers in talks with Indiana Pacers about trade for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner in package centered around Russell Westbrook
The latest NBA rumors suggest that the LA Lakers and Indiana Pacers are talking about a trade involving Russell Westbrook, Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
The Lakers' hopes of landing Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets are also centered around Westbrook leaving the franchise. According to Legion Hoops, the Lakers have tried to gauge the Nets' interest in engaging in a three-team trade featuring Irving. The report read:
"The Lakers and Pacers discussed a trade involving Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, Russell Westbrook + more. The Nets were contacted -- to gauge interest to be involved in trade -- which would include Kyrie Irving, per league source."
As per NBA rumors, Buddy Hield was the LA Lakers' main target during the 2021 offseason. They also had a deal to acquire the sharpshooting guard but decided to pursue Russell Westbrook instead.
The move didn't pay off for the 17-time-champions, who failed to make it to the playoffs after finishing last season with a 33-49 record. Many believe the Lakers would've been better off by adding Hield instead. Doing so would've given them the flexibility to build a better team around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner is a player who could help the LA Lakers immensely with his skillset. He is one of the most elite rim-protecting bigs in the league and is also a terrific shooter from long range.
NBA Rumors: LA Lakers would be a force to be reckoned with if they add Buddy Hield, Myles Turner and Kyrie Irving
The LA Lakers are looking to capitalize on getting the best deal out of Russell Westbrook's expiring $47 million contract. They are reportedly the favorites to sign Kyrie Irving and could land either Joe Harris or Seth Curry.
If the Lakers manage to acquire Buddy Hield and Myles Turner as well, they could be a difficult team to stop next season.
Surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis with most of these players will help LA immensely. New coach Darvin Ham reportedly intends to play with a four-out, one-in system, so having players on the team who can shoot efficiently is a necessity.
The Lakers' current roster could struggle offensively. Davis and Russell Westbrook struggled with their 3-point shooting last season. Meanwhile, their latest acquisitions, including Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones, are also average shooters from beyond the arc.