The Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets are two teams that have been consistently linked to LA Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook. LA has been looking at Kyrie Irving from the Nets as well as Buddy Hield and Myles Turner from Indiana as the centerpieces of a potential deal.
The Lakers, however, insist that they are looking at every possible option to improve their lineup, which could mean dealing Westbrook to other teams too. Dan Woike of the LA Times reported on this from the Lakers front office:
“Lakers sources insist they have options beyond the ones that have been reported (Irving, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner and others). Time should better reveal those once the bigger moves get made.”
The Dallas Mavericks for a bevy of shooters and the Utah Jazz for Patrick Beverly, Jordan Clarkson and draft picks have also been mentioned. However, the Lakers’ reluctance to include two future first-round picks has torpedoed any deal so far.
Recent reports suggested that to get Irving, they would be willing to give in to the Brooklyn Nets’ demands. To get the mercurial point guard, a deal centered on Westbrook and the two future first-round picks could get things done.
The Lakers are expected to step up their pursuit of Kyrie Irving by finally offering the maximum number of first-round picks. (via @jovanbuha) https://t.co/sOJe8HMaoO
Several basketball analysts, though, disagree with the LA Lakers’ approach. They consistently implore the front office not to even sniff about Irving. A few former NBA players want the Lakers to go for the better fit, which means getting Hield and Turner.
REPORT: The Lakers and Pacers have discussed a trade that would send Myles Turner and Buddy Hield to the Lakers, and Russell Westbrook and draft compensation to Indiana. (via @TheSteinLine) https://t.co/p2h8CMq5cz
Hield’s reliability and shooting will be huge factors going his way. Turner’s rim protection and versatility on defense will go a long way in helping LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Some believe that those two future first-round picks will be better used to get the Indiana Pacers duo.
The LA Lakers could be in serious trouble if they keep Russell Westbrook
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