The Los Angeles Lakers have promised Luka Doncic that they will recreate the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks and improve upon the model. Unfortunately, they're running out of time and options to find a center who can anchor the interior and function as an ideal target in the pick and roll.
As the Lakers' list of realistic center targets dwindles, Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Milwaukee Bucks has opened the door for the Lakers to have the last-ditch option of trading for Myles Turner.
Turner, 30, isn't the Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II carbon copy the Lakers are reportedly searching for. He isn't necessarily known for his success as a lob target, and as such, may not be the dream fit that Doncic is hoping to play alongside.
What he is, however, is a bridge between Gafford and another former Doncic teammate: P.J. Washington. That could thus make him an ideal option.
Much like Gafford was with Doncic, Turner is a tremendous shot blocker and a proven rim protector. Just like Washington, he's also a threat to space the floor with a reliable outside shot. The hurdle, however, is that he's still owed three years and $83,550,231.
That makes this a trade the Lakers need to think long and hard about, particularly as the Bucks look more like a lottery-bound team than one that can give Turner a chance to win—and could thus prefer to trade him for long-term assets.
Myles Turner is a better fit than one might think in Los Angeles
Even during a dreadful season for the Bucks, Turner continued to rank among the best rim protectors in the NBA. According to Basketball Index, he placed in the 94th percentile in rim disruption, the 93rd percentile in rim deterrence, and the 92nd percentile in screener rim defense.
Compounded by his averages of 1.6 blocks per game and 2.2 per 36 minutes, Turner is still one of the best in the NBA at patrolling the paint and blowing up the pick and roll.
For a Lakers team that desperately needs an interior anchor, that makes Turner a player they should at least consider pursuing. Yes, he does have significant money coming his way. Yes, he does have offensive limitations. What he offers, however, is the defensive value they desperately need.
It's also worth noting that Turner has always been better than advertised in the areas Los Angeles is prioritizing the most on offense.
Myles Turner is still an elite rim protector, underrated offensive player
In addition to dominating the defensive interior, Turner shoots the lights out and thrives in the pick and roll. In 2025-26, he averaged 2.1 three-point field goals made on 38.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc. That includes 39.3 percent shooting on catch-and-shoot threes.
Turner shot 40.2 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in 2024-25, 37.5 percent in 2023-24, and 37.1 percent in 2022-23. In other words: His efficiency is tried and true.
Turner's two-point efficiency plummeted in Milwaukee, but it's a bit too soon to write him off. In 2024-25, when he had a proven point guard and system to work alongside and within, he ranked No. 3 in the NBA in points as the pick-and-roll dive man per game. Though it's not his specialty, it's something he's capable of doing.
The Lakers should seriously weigh all of their options on the center front, but if they're unable to acquire any of their dream targets, Turner should at least be on the radar for them.
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