Lakers getting priced out of the trade fans have been begging for
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a wait-and-see approach with the 2022-23 season and the big decision of whether or not they want to trade Russell Westbrook. And as it stands right now, it does not seem likely that the Lakers will actually move Westbrook this season.
If the team did move Westbrook it would have to be for a package that truly upgrades the team to contending status. The trade that has been talked about the most for the Lakers is with the Indiana Pacers for both Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
With the way Turner and Hield are playing this season, any doubts about the package not elevating the Lakers to contending status may be axed. That being said, Turner and Hield playing so well also could have a negative impact on the Lakers’ ability to improve this season.
The Lakers could get priced out of the Myles Turner/Buddy Hield trade market.
The Lakers have already lost other potential trade targets this season and if Turner and Hield continue playing at the level they are playing then other contending teams might come in with more to offer for Los Angeles.
Granted, the two picks that the Lakers have to offer in 2027 and 2029 are two of the most valuable trade chips in the league with the direction of the franchise. But it appeared Rob Pelinka was hoping the price would go down and he could make the deal for less. The price has gone up.
There absolutely could be a middling team that overspends for Hield and Turner and beats out the Lakers. Heck, last year the Sacramento Kings sent Tyrese Haliburton as the main piece in the Domantis Sabonis trade, which was a huge overpay. Haliburton is one of the best young guards in the league and has thrived in Indiana.
Haliburton leads Indiana in scoring but Turner and Hield are not too far behind. Turner is averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He is shooting an incredible 57.3% from the field and 46.7% from three on 3.5 attempts per game.
Turner’s fit with the Lakers has always been exceptional on paper as he would allow Anthony Davis to essentially operate as the five on offense and the four on defense, which would maximize his abilities in his already incredible season.
Hield is averaging 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Most importantly, Hield is shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.8% from three on 9.9 attempts per game. Having a high-volume shooter like Hield that can knock down shots at that rate would be phenomenal for LA.
This has been the package that fans have yearned for since the summer and with the team deciding to wait, they very well could get priced out altogether.