Does this trade make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers need to do something to shake up their roster this offseason. Their supporting cast came up short last season when they were needed most and they cannot afford to have that happen again.
Yes, replacing two All-Stars because of injuries is not something any team would be capable of doing. But, the Lakers could certainly use some more consistent performers behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis and Myles Turner would provide that.
Turner’s presence will allow Davis to remain at power forward, something he has been vocal about in the past. But, Turner is not a traditional center, as he can space the floor on offense. His 35.2 career 3-point percentage is better than Davis’s career mark, so the Lakers are adding some much-needed floor-spacing.
Defensively, Los Angeles was already an elite team and Turner will further cement that. Turner is an elite rim protector, blocking 3.4 shots per game this season and holding opponents to a shooting percentage of 48.7 within six feet of the basket, which is 13.2 percent lower than league average.
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While trading away two more first-round picks is tough to stomach, Rob Pelinka will do whatever it takes to put this team in a position to win another NBA title and the acquisition of Turner would help do that.
