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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 potential trades to make with the Indiana Pacers

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 01: Caris LeVert #22 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 01, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 01: Caris LeVert #22 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 01, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The Los Angeles Lakers acquire Caris LeVert

Yesterday we broke down all the reasons for and against the Los Angeles Lakers potentially trading Talen Horton-Tucker this season. If the Lakers end up wanting to move the 21-year-old then they might try and make a move like this for someone like Caris LeVert.

When you first see this trade package you might think it is extremely unrealistic. LeVert has a relatively big name in the NBA and while he is not an all-star, he is one of the best non-all-star players in the entire league. That is all true.

However, LeVert has not been playing very well at all this season and with his health scares in the past there might be fewer teams that are in the market for LeVert. This could present an opportunity for the Lakers to trade for a guy that normally would have a much higher price. While Talen Horton-Tucker has value, he probably doesn’t get LeVert at his top value.

The Lakers would be taking a risk with this trade and would be hoping that LeVert could flip course this season and prove to be a positive impact on both ends of the floor. He would instantly fit into the starting lineup and would be a great addition to the closing lineup because at his best, he can defend and be an elite off-ball option for the offense. A closing five of Russell Westbrook, LeVert, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Anthony Davis can win games.

As for the Pacers, they get a young 21-year-old that they can give heavy minutes to in order to develop in THT, a throwaway contract in Kendrick Nunn to fill out the rotation this year and a pick swap in 2025. Not a bad return in the slightest.

And while trading THT would be a tough pill to swallow, THT very well could opt out of his deal after next season and leave LA anyway while LeVert is a free agent after next season without a player option. THT has potential, but if we are just talking about a season and a half of LeVert vs. a season and a half of THT, the needle might swing in favor of LeVert.

That being said, if the Lakers don’t want to move on from Talen Horton-Tucker (and you couldn’t blame them) then there are other deals that they can explore.

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