Amid all the rumors about Walker Kessler being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, a familiar face has reemerged as another potential trade target for the organization. It almost feels like Myles Turner to the Lakers is a yearly routine when it comes to the NBA rumor mill.
Turner is having another strong individual season. The Indiana Pacers big man is averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game during the 2024-25 NBA season. His 47.9 field goal percentage and impressive 39.3 percent from beyond the arc help contribute towards a healthy true shooting percentage of 59.7.
While some fans would be forgiven for not believing in the latest installment of Turner to the Lakers being of considerable substance, there may actually be strong reasoning for why the two-time blocks champion could finally make his way over to Los Angeles.
Why Turner to the Lakers makes sense in 2024-25
Lakers insider Jovan Buha has suggested on a couple of instances to really pay attention to the situation developing with regard to a potential Turner trade.
"I have heard a little bit of chatter about that. … If Myles Turner is available I think if you’re the Lakers you have to go get him because he just fits perfectly next to AD on both sides of the floor. … That would be the ideal, even I’d say over Walker Kessler."Jovan Buha
Buha had more fuel to add to the fire, stoking the flames of the rumor mill.
"I’ve heard Turner is about to be an unrestricted free agent and he’s going to want 30-plus million and I’ve heard Indiana is not sure if they want to give him 30-plus million … I heard from a league source that Indiana might kind of sneakily be open to trading Myles Turner."Jovan Buha
It is no secret that Los Angeles is in the market for frontcourt help. Shams Charania has reported on their interest in Kessler. There have been links suggesting Nikola Vucevic could be a target for the Lakers as well. Anthony Davis even came out and openly expressed his desire to add a five to this roster.
To circle back to something Buha touched upon earlier, Turner makes the most sense as a fit for the Lakers. That is why these rumors emerge time and time again.
Turner would help address the Lakers' issues on the defensive end. The team currently ranks 22nd in the league when it comes to defensive rating. While not an elite rebounder by any means, the Pacers big man should also offer a boost on the glass to a team that ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage and 26th for overall rebounding percentage.
However, the reason Turner stands out above the other big men that Los Angeles could pursue comes from his offensive impact. Acquiring a non-shooting big like Kessler, for example, would come with significant question marks for the Lakers' potential spacing. Turner does not bring that concern.
His ability to stretch the court would mesh seamlessly with Davis and LeBron James. The 28-year-old would also be a reliable pick-and-roll partner for the latter, allowing James and head coach JJ Redick some added opportunities when Davis needs to rest.
Turner's cap hit of $19.9 million for the 2024-25 NBA season would make him a relatively easy player to trade for, in terms of matching contracts. If Rob Pelinka and the front office believe in building a champion around Davis and James, there are few better moves to explore than this one.