The current version of the Los Angeles Lakers is going to suffer a similar fate as last season. The 2021-22 season was the most disappointing season in franchise history and if changes are not made before opening night, next season’s Lakers will be more of the same.
That is why the Lakers are seemingly hard at work to trade Russell Westbrook, who is the biggest problem on this team. The biggest trade that the Lakers could make is for Kyrie Irving but that is not a guarantee. Thus, Los Angeles has to look into other options.
One of the other options that the team has explored is a deal with the Indiana Pacers. Indiana reportedly already rejected a trade package of Westbrook and a first-round pick for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, giving us an idea of where the Lakers’ mindset is at.
While the Pacers reportedly do not like that package, it does not mean that a trade around the same parameters won’t happen. LA could get desperate and offer more picks or the Pacers could realize they have no other options and simply take the deal.
Even if it happens, some don’t think it will change much for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus spoke to league executives, media members and insiders to get insight on what people think the Lakers should do this offseason. An anonymous NBA executive touched on the potential of a Hield/Turner trade and is obviously not as optimistic about the potential additions.
"“What do Buddy and Turner do for the Lakers? Add a 5 percent chance the team wins a title? hat’s probably worth one protected first, but certainly not two.”"
While Turner and Hield might not be all-star players, the added benefit of just getting rid of Russell Westbrook is massive. This is a team that has won the title with just Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Clearing out the way by trading Russell Westbrook absolutely is bigger than a 5% increase.
Then you add in the impact that Hield and Turner will have and it is clear that this is a pretty big understatement by this anonymous executive. It was probably an exec from a rival team like the Clippers or Celtics, who are simply downplaying the Lakers.
Lakers’ last roster spot is seemingly being saved for this familiar face
It appears that the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 14 players signed to the roster, are saving the last roster spot for this returning player.
It will be interesting to see what path Rob Pelinka can take this offseason when it comes to trading Westbrook. If the team can pull off the mega trade for Kyrie Irving that would be huge, but let’s not downplay the potential of an Indiana trade either.