Throughout the summer, the Los Angeles Lakers explored options to trade Russell Westbrook to the Indiana Pacers, but the point where negotiations have stalled is for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, as the Pacers additionally want two top picks. round of the NBA draft.
Multiple reports have suggested that the Lakers would be willing to give up one along with Westbrook’s huge contract, but this would not be enough for the Pacers, who as part of their rebuilding process see it essential to acquire two top-tier prospects either for their roster or in order to use them as trading tokens.
Lakers reportedly held up trade talks with Pacers involving Buddy Hield and Myles Turner:
“If the Lakers want Buddy Hield and Myles Turner they need to give up Russell Westbrook and the two first round picks…Otherwise stop calling the Pacers GM phone!” — @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/tUEifXDdHu
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) September 22, 2022
For the Californians, these two draft picks matter a lot, since after the agreements made in recent years by Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook they practically ran out of the guarantee of a future renewal in their squad. However, it may be that for the Lakers to bet on a good performance from Russell Westbrook is even more expensive.
In case Westbrook doesn’t work out in 2022-23, they’re unlikely to get big deals during the season to trade him, and another important detail is the fact that their two draft picks won’t guarantee their future either. Perhaps the best alternative is to bet on Hield and Turner, two players who have already shown that they have what it takes to shine in the league.
It will depend on what can weigh more for the leaders of the Lakers. Save two prospects for the future and risk Westbrook once again having a mediocre season or adding two players still with enough to give in the NBA but putting aside the idea of rebuilding their roster in the future.
