The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty good this offseason adding several duty players with interesting profiles. The workforce already seems a little better balanced and above all deeper than last season. In contrast, Russell Westbrook is still in place, with the same “problems posed” by the former MVP whose characteristics – lazy without the ball, ineffective behind the arc – do not necessarily stick with the other stars of the team.
Despite the talk that is optimistic and full of enthusiasm on the surface, the leaders would still seek to part with their highly paid veteran. The Indiana Pacers are one of the very few franchises capable of supporting his salary (47 million). The organization will attack its reconstruction and it would be ready to let go of two quality players: Myles Turner et Buddy Hield.
They’ve been tracked by the Lakers front office for a while now. Turner is a pivot able to protect the circle by supporting Anthony Davis in defense while stretching, at least a little, the lines in attack. Hield is the kind of sniper that will always hit the mark alongside LeBron James.
But to give them up by agreeing to recover Westbrook, the Pacers claim two unprotected first round picks. A very high price to pay for Los Angeles. Shams Charania explains that, for now, the Californians don’t feel like giving up their assets (especially after having already transferred part of them to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the transfer from AD).
“I’m told the Lakers and Pacers did engage in some trade conversations this week and the Pacers’ demand for two unprotected first-round picks … is just not appealing for the Lakers.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on the Pacers’ plans to keep Myles Turner into the season. pic.twitter.com/rQjk6DDv0R
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The offer is on the table and it could be negotiated again during the season. Especially if the Westbrook experience continues to show its limits in LA
What if Russell Westbrook came off the bench at the Lakers?