Lakers Eyeing $40 Million Lob Threat and Rim Protector to Pair with Doncic.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent effort to trade for an elite lob threat and rim protector alongside Luka Doncic fell through, but the team remains committed to pursuing this goal come the summer of 2025.
On Saturday, February 8, the Lakers canceled a trade with the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams after he failed a physical.
“Teams generally avoid canceling trades, especially significant ones like the Lakers-Hornets deal for Mark Williams and Dalton Knecht,” reported Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. “But the Lakers gave up a lot to secure Williams and needed assurance he could be their starting center for the next 5-10 years. After a detailed health evaluation, they weren’t confident in his ability.”
LiOn Sunday, Evan Sidery of Forbes linked the Lakers to two centers they will be able to pursue starting June 30, when NBA free agency opens, and teams can trade players.
“Two big names continue to surface in trade discussions as possible Lakers targets this summer: Myles Turner and Nic Claxton,” Sidery wrote. “Turner could be acquired via a sign-and-trade if the Lakers make an enticing offer to the Pacers. The Nets have also been open to moving Claxton for months.”
Myles Turner Has Been a Trade Target for Years Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo watches Myles Turner
Like Claxton, Turner has been a frequent subject of trade rumors for years, dating back to his time with Damontas Sabonis.
However, as the Pacers’ primary big man, Turner made it through yet another trade deadline. This was partly due to the Pacers’ strong performance, pushing their record to 29-22 and securing the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference as the All-Star break approaches.
While the Pacers’ postseason appearance last year was helped by New York Knicks injuries in the second round, they still made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics.
Myles Turner a Strong Fit for Lakers with Luka Doncic on Offense, Defense Myles Turner could be a target for the Los Angeles Lakers
Another playoff run could keep Turner in Indianapolis for the long term.
However, Turner, soon to be 29, is in the final season of a two-year, $40.9 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. A sign-and-trade would allow the Pacers to receive compensation for Turner rather than losing him without return.
Turner would be an excellent lob threat for Doncic, a key component he wanted when joining the Dallas Mavericks, and something he mentioned as essential to