The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the upcoming Feb. 9 trade deadline and have set their sights on a specific player: Myles Turner, the 6-foot-11 center for the Indiana Pacers. Turner is currently in the final year of his $40.9 million, two-season deal, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. This situation might prompt the Pacers to trade him now rather than risk losing him for nothing in the offseason.
According to NBA insider Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers and Pacers have begun their annual tradition of negotiating a Turner trade. The Lakers have been linked to Turner before, but this time, they are reportedly serious about securing him. Irwin shared that sources close to the situation revealed that the Lakers have had extensive internal discussions about Turner and are contemplating offering both of their available first-round picks in exchange for him.
The Lakers have moved on from their initial big-man targets, Jonas Valanciunas and Nikola Vucevic, as the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls are demanding too much for their stars. Now, the Lakers have focused their attention on Turner, who they have been pursuing for years.
This season, Turner has been impressive for the Pacers, starting in 42 games and averaging 15.4 points on 47.9% shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. Additionally, he is hitting 2.0 three-pointers per game at a 39.3% rate.
