Lakers Tried to Trade for Evan Turner at Deadline

Dec 29, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers small forward Evan Turner (12) looks to pass under pressure from Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers were expected to blow up whatever is left of the roster and secure anything the can in return for Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill, Chris Kaman, or anyone else that isn’t named Kobe Bryant. (Un)fortunately, the Lakers stood pat at the deadline, with the exception of shipping Steve Blake to Golden State, and we are left with more questions than answers.

Perhaps the biggest trade at the deadline was the Pacers’ acquisition of Evan Turner for Danny Granger. According to Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN, the Lakers were in discussions with the Sixers for Chris Kaman.

According to Jake Pavorsky of Liberty Ballers, that move may have included Evan Turner, Thaddeus young, and a search for a 3rd team to try and complete the deal. Here’s what Jake Pavorsky had to say:

"Sources confirm to Liberty Ballers that the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers were in discussions for the former 2nd overall pick, and were looking for a third team to help facilitate the deal. The Lakers would have acquired Turner and multiple second round picks. Philadelphia would have received Chris Kaman, an expiring contract.But the deal had the potential to go far beyond Kaman and Turner, as those within Thaddeus Young’s camp believe he was involved in trade talks as well. Both the Sixers and Lakers were looking to be compensated with a first round pick, but were unable to find a third team willing to give up their top pick to make the deal work."

If the Lakers could have received Turner and some draft picks for only Chris Kaman, that would have to be considered a win at the deadline. With the Sixers only concerned with salary at this point in the season with a very young and talented team, the Lakers had the opportunity to poach a very good player from their roster that could fit with the direction of the team as a great #3 or #4 player on a championship squad.

Apparently, Thaddeus Young was believed to be part of the trade talk as well. If the 3rd team was to acquire Thaddeus Young, I am very interested in how the Lakers of 76ers were unable to find a suitor. Young is the same age as Turner and is probably a better player than Turner. He plays much more consistently and has been for much longer than Turner.

What do you think? Would it have been a smart move to trade for Turner at the deadline? Could he have been a fit for the future?