Lakers Eye Myles Turner, but Hurdles Persist in Potential Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers have long admired Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic , Turner has been on the Lakers’ radar since the mid-2022-23 season, and their interest hasn’t waned. However, despite their admiration, it seems unlikely that Turner will become a Laker anytime soon.
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Buha shared this insight during a live stream, responding to fans’ questions. He emphasized that while Turner would be an ideal fit for the Lakers' needs—particularly as a tough, defensive-minded center—the Pacers don’t appear inclined to part ways with him at the moment. Turner’s impending free agency adds complexity to the situation, but history suggests Indiana is reluctant to make moves that signal a full rebuild.
Turner, a two-time block champion, has grown accustomed to trade rumors, brushing them off with humor. Back in October, he joked about how every season in Indiana feels like a “contract year.” This season may indeed be pivotal, as speculation grows that the Pacers might finally decide to move on from Turner before the trade deadline. Yet, Indiana’s track record shows a preference for staying competitive. Even when they traded Paul George in 2017, the Pacers remained focused on playoff contention, and this mindset seems unchanged. Currently sitting at eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 14-15 record, Indiana is still in striking distance of a top-six playoff seed.
For the Lakers, Turner’s defensive abilities could be transformative. Los Angeles has struggled defensively, ranking 20th in defensive rating and allowing opponents a high shooting percentage near the rim. Adding a rim protector like Turner would not only improve their defense but also alleviate some of the burden on Anthony Davis. However, the Lakers’ limited trade assets—mostly draft picks and salary filler—may not appeal to the Pacers, whose priorities extend beyond draft compensation.
While Turner fits the Lakers’ needs perfectly on paper, turning this interest into a reality remains a distant possibility. For now, the Lakers must weigh their options carefully, knowing that their window for improvement is narrow, and any misstep could hinder their playoff aspirations.
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