The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads with Russell Westbrook. On the one hand, new Head Coach Darvin Ham has spoken about integrating the former MVP into the team and working with him. On the other, trade rumors continue to float around regarding Westbrook, and there is a strong possibility that he could be moved on in a trade for Kyrie Irving.
Another team has been spoken about quite a bit in terms of a potential trade. The Indiana Pacers have Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, who could be involved in a package for Russ; Turner is even open to a move. The Pacers are committed to building around Tyrese Haliburton, which means that trading is an option for them.
And while the Lakers may not believe that this is a huge return, NBA analyst Marc J. Spears pointed out on ESPN the one way this move could benefit LA.
(starts at 00:51 minutes):
“If you get Myles Turner, you get somebody that could, he averaged seven rebounds a game last season. He also makes one-and-a-half threes a game, he averaged 13.0 points. I think Myles Turner really helps the Lakers. If Anthony Davis misses games, you’ve got a quality power forward/center who could fill the void.
“That was the bad thing with the Lakers, once Anthony was gone, their bigs were depleted. they had nobody to fill the void. So, with Anthony Davis, those two guys I think can be great together. Without Anthony Davis, he could help the ship stay afloat.”
Anthony Davis hasn’t played in 82 games in the last two seasons combined, missing solid chunks of the season for the Lakers in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Myles Turner is a skilled big, and his range makes him an excellent addition to the roster. While the move might not be perfect, acquiring Hield and Turner could move the needle for the Lakers.
