The Los Angeles Lakers had talks with the Indiana Pacers this week, but it shows that a deal from both engaged teams won’t materialize to a reality.
As provided by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers aren’t willing to part ways with their two lucrative first-round picks (2027, 2029) remaining just to acquire Myles Turner and Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers.
It was already revealed earlier by Pacers GM Chad Buchanan that Turner will remain at the center spot for the club at the start of the season. It sheds a hint that a transaction is unlikely and won’t take place.
As it stands, the Lakers are very much willing to pull the trigger if they will acquire a major return in exchange for their coveted haul. Given the uncertainty waiting on the future of LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the end of the road, these selections truly have a heavy weight which can be utilized to choose a promising prospect.
Given that they have already given the keys of their franchise to their youth program being led by Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers don’t have any other purpose on veterans Turner and Hield. Turner, who holds an expiring contract this upcoming season and will become an unrestricted free-agent next offseason, intensifies Indiana’s desire to move him out in order to capitalize his value.
It remains yet to be seen on how these two teams will find resolution on their respective motives and cases.
