The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a frontcourt partner for Anthony Davis has taken another turn as the trade deadline approaches. Initially, the team had considered options like Jonas Valančiūnas and Nikola Vučević before Davis’ injury, but now, according to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, the Lakers have set their sights on Pacers center Myles Turner. However, it remains uncertain whether Indiana is willing to part with him. A week ago, Valančiūnas and Vučević were key targets, but their high asking prices led the Lakers to lose interest. The Bulls are reportedly seeking a first-round pick for Vučević, while the Wizards want a protected first for Valančiūnas. With those deals too expensive, L.A. has now shifted its focus to Turner, who could be the best fit next to Davis, though acquiring him will be a challenge. According to Irwin, the Lakers have had “extensive internal conversations” about a possible move for Turner and are considering offering both of their tradeable first-round picks. This steep price may be worth it given Turner’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim.
Turner has been a trade target for years, but the Pacers have kept him so far. This season, however, there is growing speculation that Indiana might be open to moving him, especially since Turner is set to become a free agent this summer. As noted by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, there is a belief that Turner may be available for the right price. His expected contract demands of $30 million or more per year could deter some teams, but it could also present an opportunity for the Lakers to make a move before the deadline.
The Frontcourt Fit AD Has Been Begging For
Davis has always preferred to play power forward instead of center, and he emphasized this again last week when speaking to ESPN’s Shams Charania: “I think we need another big. I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the four, having a big out there. We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard] at the five and I’m at the four.” Turner, a 6-foot-11 center known for shot-blocking and hitting a career-high 39.3% of his threes this season, fits this role perfectly, providing the Lakers with much-needed floor spacing. Even if his shooting regresses slightly, he would still bring a valuable asset to a team struggling with shooting.
Can the Lakers Afford Him?
However, affording Turner is another hurdle. He is expected to command $30 million or more annually, and for the Lakers to fit him into their salary cap, LeBron James would likely need to decline his $52.7 million player option and take a pay cut, which is not guaranteed. If LeBron sticks with his current deal, the Lakers would face a difficult financial situation, with over $140 million tied up in just three players: LeBron James ($52.7M), Anthony Davis ($54.2M), and Myles Turner ($30M+). The salary cap is projected at $154.6 million, and the luxury tax threshold is set at $187.9 million, making it difficult to build the rest of the roster while keeping these three players.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
If the Lakers are serious about pursuing Turner, Indiana would likely want a reliable center in return, but the Lakers don’t have one to offer. As a result, a third team would likely need to be involved in the deal. Although this complicates things, if Rob Pelinka is serious about making a playoff push, he will need to get creative. The trade deadline is quickly approaching, and if Turner is truly available, this could be the year the Lakers finally make the move they’ve been eyeing for years.
