When the Lakers traded for forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets, sending guard D’Angelo Russell away, it may have been their final move before the February 6 trade deadline. Russell was seen as the primary asset they could afford to part with, while other tradeable players like Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt have been impacted more by injuries than talent. The Lakers remain hopeful about these players’ potential for the remainder of the season, and are not eager to trade them unless it’s part of a deal that significantly improves the team. As one Eastern Conference GM put it, “They’re not looking to make a move just to make a move…they were willing to do that with Russell but here and now, they’re only going to do something if it makes them obviously better.”
One player who could be an improvement is Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, though his availability has been tempered by the team’s recent success. With Turner averaging 15.6 points, shooting 48.6%, and 40.2% from three, the Pacers’ strong performance (16-5 in their last 21 games) has made them reconsider their trade options. The GM noted, “Do the Pacers want to go for it now?…The price has gone up, where, I don’t think you’d need to add two firsts, but you would have to go, first-rounder plus a couple of seconds.”
For the Lakers, acquiring Turner would require parting with Rui Hachimura, a player they’d prefer to keep. However, with the team needing a center to complement Anthony Davis, Turner could be a key addition. A potential deal might look like this: Lakers get Myles Turner; Pacers get Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, a 2029 first-round pick, and two 2025 second-round picks (one from the Clippers).
Ultimately, Turner would be a major asset for the Lakers, with one Western Conference executive saying, “He would be a game-changer for them…Turner is a guy who can help get the best out of AD…and give you more rim protection defensively.” However, there are doubts whether the Lakers would be willing to meet the price for him.
