Lakers News: Is Top LA Trade Target Now Off The Board After Inking Extension?
Season-long rumors between the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers have officially come to a close, at least for their star big man, as Myles Turner agreed to a two-year $60 million contract extension.
Per Bobby Marks of ESPN, Turner can still technically be traded by this year's February 9th deadline. Of course, given the fact that the Pacers just dropped some serious coin to keep the big man in town this season, that possibility feels pretty unlikely.
The Lakers will most likely have to explore options elsewhere, but perhaps this is for the better.
In any trade scenario revolving around Turner and Buddy Hield, the Lakers wanted to give up Russell Westbrook but likely would have had to depart with their two first round picks. Ultimately giving up their future for a win now move.
The Pacers also gave Turner a $17.1 million contract re-negotiation, the largest in NBA history. This was also a number the Lakers were likely not prepared to offer, so the deal works out for both sides.
The emergence of Thomas Bryant has given the Lakers a lesser need in the paint, but Anthony Davis' health remains a question mark. The Lakers needed more help shooting the ball so landing Hield would have been the deal breaker, but now the team can look elsewhere for better help.
The Lakers didn't stay quite throughout this as they made a move for Rui Hachimura, a strong move that adds youth and serious potential, but the Lakers are still a star piece away from being legit contenders. It still remains an uphill battle and the Lakers need another scorer that can remain healthy.
Time is running out to make a move but a healthy Lakers team proves to be a good one no team wants to face during the postseason.
