The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active in the trade market ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline, and while several players have been linked to the team, it seems they’ve now focused on one particular target. According to NBA insider Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the player in question is Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. Turner, a 6-foot-11 center, is in the final year of his two-season, $40.9 million deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. This gives the Pacers incentive to trade him now rather than risk losing him for nothing in the offseason. Irwin reports that the Lakers and Pacers have resumed their regular discussions about a potential Turner trade.
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have been linked to Turner, but their pursuit seems more serious this time. According to sources, the Lakers have held extensive internal discussions about Turner and are considering whether to offer both of their available first-round picks at this trade deadline to secure him. The report also mentions that the Lakers have moved on from their previous targets—Jonas Valanciunas and Nikola Vucevic—after the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls asked for too much in return. Now, L.A. is reportedly focusing on Turner, hoping to finally land him after years of trying.
In 42 starts this season, Turner has been averaging 15.4 points on 47.9% shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks, along with 2.0 three-pointers per game at a 39.3% shooting rate.
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