Lakers Reportedly Among Teams That Have ‘Explored’ Deal for Pacers Starter

The NBA trade deadline is already here, and the Los Angeles Lakers have attracted the attention of most NBA experts. What’s Rob Pelinka up to? The Lakers general manager signed a group of talented players in the offseason in order to boost the roster and defend the title. However, Pelinka couldn’t predict any of the injuries LA deals with at the moment. Anthony Davis is out. He missed an entire month and is expected to miss at least two more weeks. The Lakers will probably try to add an athletic center. Andre Drummond is a good target for the team. Pelinka is ready to make a move in case Drummond signs with another team. The Lakers were ready to work a deal for a talented Indiana Pacers starter.

J. Michael of IndyStar reported that the Lakers have added Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner to the list of favorite options.

“The New York Knicks, L.A. Lakers, L.A. Clippers, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among those who have explored whether the Pacers are willing to part with the league’s leading shot-blocker, league sources tell IndyStar,” wrote Michael.

The Lakers could easily create a deal for the Pacers starter

Turner is an interesting option. The former first-round pick is 24 and plays well on both sides of the ball. In 2019, Turner led the league in blocked shots. He is averaging 12.8 points per game in his pro career. If Pelinka wants to add a great player, Turner is one of the options.

There is one major obstacle. The Pacers aren’t shopping their big player.

“If there’s a move to be made, league sources tell IndyStar, the Pacers aren’t shopping Turner,” Michael wrote. “Understand, however, the trade market can change on a dime. When they shipped Victor Oladipo to the Houston Rockets two months ago for LeVert, that kind of deal wasn’t there before the season tipped.”

The Pacers have the 10^th seed in the East. In other words, they don’t sit outside the playoff picture.

Will LA make a move? Will they trade someone like Montrezl Harrell to get Turner? The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 22 points per game in the last two games.