Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner, G Jeremy Lamb, F T.J. Warren
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
With no other assets to build a trade package with, this second trade proposal takes a different approach. There has been chatter that the Los Angeles Lakers have looked into deals that are centered around Russell Westbrook.
So, for this second deal, that is what they do. Westbrook is used to upgrade the roster as a whole, returning some of the depth the team lost when they acquired him. To do so, they have to surrender what little valuable draft capital they have left.
The Indiana Pacers were looking into some point guards, namely Ben Simmons, before the season. Simmons offers a lot more value than Westbrook at this point, but could the Lakers sell Indiana on taking him along with two potentially extremely valuable first-round picks?
Myles Turner is once again the headliner coming back to Los Angeles but comes with rotational players on the wing and frontcourt. Jeremy Lamb is on an expiring deal and is someone the Pacers have been looking to move. T.J. Warren is a wild card.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers’ Myles Turner To Be Moved At NBA Trade Deadline?
Warren has not played yet this season as he recovers from foot surgery last January. Warren has played in four games since his incredible showing in the Orlando Bubble.
It is a worthwhile gamble for the Los Angeles Lakers to take, as they would be clearing cap space at a minimum making this deal, but could be getting some serious firepower added to their rotation if Warren can return healthy.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers’ Myles Turner To Be Moved At NBA Trade Deadline?
The first-round picks are costly, but Los Angeles has to go all-in on winning as long as LeBron James is playing at the level that he is. This trade represents that, as they hit the reset button on the Westbrook deal and restock their depth in the process.
