4. Buddy Hield (and Myles Turner)
This is the big trade that the Los Angeles Lakers can make at this point in time. At this point, it seems very unlikely that the Lakers are going to be able to flip Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving and this package with the Indiana Pacers is the next best thing.
It would be a bit of an overpay for the Lakers but it is an overpay that the team is going to have to make. To make this trade happen, the Lakers are going to have to trade two first-round picks with Westbrook in order to get Hield and Turner in LA.
This is something that the Lakers are reportedly open to doing after signing LeBron James to an extension, so there certainly is a chance that Rob Pelinka makes this trade before the season begins. There is also a chance the team waits until the deadline to get it at a lower price but there are too many risks in that strategy.
Hield and Turner have their flaws and are far from being perfect players but there is potential in a starting lineup that includes them. This significantly helps the team’s three-point shooting as Hield is one of the most prominent shooters in the sport while Turner is one of the best three-point shooting bigs in the sport.
If the Lakers can make an additional move for a defensive guard, like Patrick Beverley, then suddenly they are looking alright. Beverley and Davis can carry the load defensively while Hield and Turner add the floor spacing that LA so desperately needs.
5 Most notable games to circle on the new Los Angeles Lakers schedule
The Los Angeles Lakers schedule for the 2022-23 season has been released and there are some notable games that already look like appointment viewing.
Is this roster a lock to win the NBA Championship? No. Does it have a significantly better chance than the current roster? Absolutely.