LeBron’s Lakers Trade Rumor Points to Pacers’ Possible Move
As the February 6 trade deadline approaches, the Indiana Pacers must proceed with caution. Sitting at the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, just one loss behind the fourth position, any trade could either strengthen or jeopardize their playoff prospects. A recent report suggests that a Pacers wing player might be involved in a potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dan Woike of the LA Times reported, “Pacers Bennedict Mathurin is being monitored by nearly every team seen as a buyer at the deadline.”
While the report doesn’t explicitly mention Mathurin as part of a trade involving LeBron James’ Lakers, it highlights players the Lakers are targeting.
Mathurin, who will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, doesn’t need to be traded right now. However, if the price is right and the Pacers can save money, trading him for draft picks and a positive player could be on the table.
Although the Pacers have several players contributing to their playoff run, Mathurin’s combination of athleticism and shooting makes him a standout. He’s averaging 16.4 points on a career-high 47% shooting from the field and 36% from three-point range. Additionally, his defensive and rebounding efforts have improved, with Mathurin pulling in a career-high 5.9 rebounds per game.
The report also touches on Myles Turner, who is likely the next Pacers player to be traded, as he will be a free agent after the 2024-25 season.
As February 6 approaches, Mathurin’s name will likely surface in more trade rumors, regardless of their credibility. His rise in the league is reflected in the growing attention surrounding his potential trade.
