[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

If the pacers are really willing to offer hield and Turner for Westbrook and the 2027 and 2029 first round picks than the lakers should take the deal. While neither hield or Turner are stars, they both fill roles that the lakers would desperately need. Turner is a floor spacing and shot blocking big that can play next to Davis or without him and hield is one of the most dangerous shooters in the league. While the roster would still likely have holes, and it may be a stretch to say it would make them true contenders, it significantly raises the ceiling for next year. And as long as you have Lebron and AD on the roster, the goal needs to be putting a team on the floor with the most realistic path to compete for a title.
I know the lakers are holding out for kyrie, but he’s too unpredictable and there isn’t really any indication that he’s truly available right now. Waiting for the situation to sort itself out in Brooklyn is just too risky. The lakers already know that Westbrook does not fit the roster and will drag the team down. There is no way you can begin the season with him on the roster. Losing another 2 future firsts is obviously not ideal but that was always going to be the sunken cost for making the Westbrook trade in the first place. They could try to attach protections for those picks but if that’s not feasible you just cut your losses and worry about it when the time comes. Waiting on the perfect deal to materialize is too risky and won’t happen. Standing pat isn’t a viable option either. The lakers have scanned the market and this appears to be the best deal that is available to them right now. They need to make it happen

[HitsterParticipant]

I like the deal for both sides the Pacers could lose Turner for nothing next summer and in 2024 Hield would likely hop onto a contender. They save money on Hield’s salary next year and really hit rebuild around Mathurin and Haliburton. they get future picks which whilst being several years away give them future assets to be used in trades at worse.

The Lakers will always be a go to FA mafrket so moving picks down the line wouldn’t be an issue to me as long as they keep cap flexability post LBJ era. Turner gives them an excellent front court with AD andI think they can work as a duo or even if AD is on the bench then you have another quality big always on court.

Two years of Hield’s shooting is the buying point for me. He is a top 20 3pt active percentage shooter and with LBJ and AD whe’ll help spread the play and get shots or allow LBJ to find the 4th and 5th options on the eam for a possible free shot. Also he isvery durable and has low career mileage for his age having entered NBA later in age. If things went well for him in LA on a contending team he could wel be a likely guy they could extend and he could be a complimentary starter/6th man there for several years.

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