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Los Angeles Lakers: Three potential trades to acquire Myles Turner

When the Los Angeles Lakers assembled a big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, there was an understanding that it would take some time. After 42 games, the Lakers sit eighth in the Western Conference with a 21-21 record and need a change badly.

One player who could really change their fortunes is Indiana Pacers star Myles Turner.

Los Angeles Lakers: Three potential trades to upgrade the roster

Tough Road ahead for General Manager Rob Pelinka

Rob Pelinka has taken massive swings during his tenure as the Lakers General Manager. He traded most of the club’s future to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis deal back in 2019 and most recently acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. While he didn’t surrender any picks in the deal, Pelinka traded all of the team’s intermediate deals to make it financially viable. Now, the team’s roster is extremely top-heavy and the gamble on minimum deals hasn’t paid off.

Pelinka has some draft capital and trade assets to work with. It’s not a lot but he has proven himself to be more than a capable GM.

A recent report said the Lakers will be in competition with the Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks for his services. The Knicks and Mavericks are in the same ballpark as the Lakers but Charlotte will be tough to outbid in negotiations.

Regardless, let’s take a look at some deals that could bring Turner to the City of Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Indiana do business

Myles Turner saves the teams defense

Adding Myles Turner to the Los Angeles Lakers solves so many of the team’s problems. He is the NBA’s leading shot-blocker at 2.9 blocks per game and is a proficient three-point shooter at 34.9 percent. His skills open the floor for everyone but most importantly, shift Anthony Davis and LeBron James back to their natural positions. Additionally, he gives the Lakers more flexibility in second unit line-ups as well when the starters go to the bench.

The Lakers defense has been a large talking point this season, falling to 15th in the association after having one of the best defenses during their championship run in 2020. Turner voiced his frustrations with his role in Indiana and starting afresh in a new environment is needed. He is averaging 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks on 51-31-35 shooting splits.

Boston finally receive a rim pressure guard

The Boston Celtics are a perimeter heavy squad in dire need of rim pressure. Despite his shooting percentages this season, Talen Horton-Tucker thrives going to the bucket and is a perfect compliment to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He’s averaging 11 points, four rebounds and three assists on 41-24-82 shooting splits this year but finishes at a 54.1 percent rate in the restricted area (league average).

Additionally, Horton-Tucker is a solid defender, utilizing quick feet and his absurd 7’1 wingspan. The Celtics love to switch so he can move easily into their defensive scheme.

Indiana kill two birds with one stone – Part one

The Indiana Pacers sit 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-26 record and are leaning toward rebuilding the team. Owner Herb Jones vehemently disagrees with tanking, stating he wants to put a good product on the floor. In this deal, the Pacers receive Dennis Schroder, Juancho Hernangomez, Kendrick Nunn, and a future first-ticking all boxes.

Schroder is a dynamic, two-way point guard capable of going for 30 on any given night while providing excellent defense. The German is a solid driver (58 percent in the paint), steady midrange shooter, and passer, creating off the bounce thanks to his speed. Next to Domantas Sabonis, Schroder will receive ample opportunities to drive to the cup. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 43-22-86 shooting this season.

Juan Hernangomez and Kendrick Nunn are serviceable offensive players at their respective positions. Hernangomez is barely receiving playing time and needs a shot while Nunn has been out all year with a bone bruise. Over their careers, both players are offensive-minded and can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. They are throw-ins the deal but are good enough to be effective in the rotation.

Washington Wizards engage with Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers

Indiana kill two birds with one stone – Part two

In this iteration of the deal, the Pacers receive Spencer Dinwiddie from Washington. The 28-year-old has struggled mightily next to Bradley Beal, finding difficulty balancing scoring and playmaking. In Indiana, Dinwiddie can take over the offense as the lead guard with Malcolm Brogdon sidelined with injury. The Pacers continue to be competitive in games but are 1-10 in games decided by three or less. Dinwiddie is a tremendous playmaker in crunch time and is one of the reasons why the Wizards are 8-2 in games decided by less than three points.

Dinwiddie is having a solid year averaging 13.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists on 40-32-80 shooting splits in 30.3 minutes of action. The 2027 first-round pick is compensation received from the Lakers.

Bradley Beal finds his complement in Talen Horton-Tucker

There’s been plenty of conjecture regarding Talen Horton-Tucker’s play this season but he is a young, athletic guard who’s at his best attacking the rack. Bringing him to Washington recreates the successful Westbrook – Beal pairing from last season. The 21-year-old hasn’t been the most efficient averaging 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 41-25-87 shooting splits but has found his form lately after a terrible two-week slump. His youth gives Washington flexibility if they wish to go young and begin a rebuild.

Nunn hasn’t played a minute of basketball this season due to injury so he is an unknown factor. He is a scoring guard who can light up the scoreboard, adding more offense to a roster filled with bucket-getters.

 

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Lawrence George

Lawrence George

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