Lakers Trade Rumors: LA ‘Very High on’ Myles Turner, But Not ‘A Legit Candidate’ | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

The Los Angeles Lakers have “been very high on” Indiana Pacers big Myles Turner for several seasons, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.

In response to questions from fans on a live stream Sunday night, Buha reported that the Lakers pursued Turner midway through the 2022-23 NBA season and have continued to track him since then.

However, Buha questioned whether the Pacers would be willing to move Turner right now, adding that “I haven’t heard about him as a legitimate candidate” in a trade.

The two-time block champion is headed for free agency, and his future in Indianapolis is a regular source of speculation. He said in October that “I can’t help but laugh” about the constant swirl of rumors and that “every year in Indiana has been a contract year at this point.”

Given his contract situation, it stands to reason this trade deadline could be the time the Pacers finally move on from Turner.

Boo cited a “tough, physical, defensive-minded center” as a clear need for Los Angeles amid a disappointing season. The Lakers are 20 in defensive rating (114.3), and they allow opponents to shoot ninth highest percentage within five feet (65.4), per NBA.com.

Acquiring a traditional rim protector like Turner would also ease the burden on Anthony Davis.

But the Pacers have long been resistant to embracing a full rebuild or throwing in the towel on the season unless their hand is forced. Even after trading Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, they remained fixated on contending for the playoffs.

Indiana hasn’t gotten off to a good start at 14-15, but the team is still in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and just two games back of fifth place. A top-six seed and avoiding the play-in tournament is an achievable result.

Any trade the Lakers make will likely center around draft compensation and/or salary padding, as they can ill afford to deplete a supporting cast that already leaves something to be desired. It might not be to the Pacers’ satisfaction given their short-term priorities.