The Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for a big man but it could come at a major cost. According to The Athletic's Mark Gilbert, Myles Turner has emerged as a serious trade candidate for the Lakers if they are willing to offer Austin Reaves in return.
"The Lakers have returned looking to acquire Myles Turner. I’m hearing trade negotiations have resumed however, Indiana in particular is being very firm with wanting Austin Reaves in the deal, claiming they will offer more than just Turner if the Pacers can land Austin."
All-Star big man Anthony Davis was the centerpiece of the Lakers tonight with 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in the front court. But after the Luka Doncic deal, Davis is a Maverick and the Lakers are left with hardly any depth at all at center.
In his press conference this week, GM Rob Pelinka confirmed that he's on the hunt for frontcourt talent but it could be some time before they make any significant upgrades. With limited assets available and a "dry" market for bigs, Pelinka says that it may not be until this summer before his team can add a game-changing big man.
At 28 years old, Myles Turner is arguably the best name available for the Lakers. The 9-year veteran is averaging 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 48.0% shooting. He's the defensive anchor for a Pacers team ranked 4th in the East at 28-20.
With one year, and $19.9 million left on his deal, Turner is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer where he's expected to ask for a lucrative new deal. The Lakers could wait until the summer to make a pitch for Turner, or they could make room for him now by giving up Austin Reaves in a trade package before the deadline.
Turner has never made an All-Star team, but his size and defensive abilities could make a huge difference for the new-look Lakers, who are in desperate need of an elite defensive presence under the rim. He could thrive in the pick-and-roll with Luka Doncic, who has enhanced virtually every center he's played with.
The question for the Lakers is whether or not they're willing to give up Austin Reaves in the deal. At 26 years old, Reaves has become a core member of the Lakers roster and he's viewed as a key building block for their future. With LeBron at 40 and Davis gone, the Lakers are hoping that Reaves can help Luka Doncic keep the Lakers afloat.
But if they can swap Reaves for a proven big man like Myles Turner, the Lakers will not waste the opportunity. With Luka Doncic on the team, the entire timeline has shifted and the Lakers need to find players who fit. Myles Turner could be the perfect solution... if the Lakers are willing to pay the price to get him.
It remains to be seen how this upcoming deadline plays out for the Lakers but after such a bug shift it seems that Rob Pelinka is open to any move that helps his team win around Luka Doncic and LeBron James. With just a few days to go, time is running out to make a move but they still haven't given up hope on finding additional help in the frontcourt.
