If the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a bold offseason trade, there could be a few options on the table.
Coming off a disappointing showing in the NBA Playoffs as they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in upsetting fashion, the Los Angeles Lakers must work this offseason to upgrade the roster if they want to emerge as a legit championship contender in the Western Conference next season. With the limited assets the Lakers have at their disposal this offseason, that could be a lot easier said than done.
Nevertheless, that's exactly the challenge that this front office is going to be up against. Not only do they have to cement Luka Doncic's and LeBron James' futures with the team, but they also need to find a way to seamlessly upgrade the roster without gutting the depth they have. It may seem difficult, but it's certainly doable. As we inch closer and closer to the start of the NBA offseason, we explore seven bold trades that the Lakers must consider if they want to continue to build a championship-level roster.
Lakers sign and trade for Myles Turner
This is a move that's likely going to take some cap gymnastics depending on what number Myles Turner could be looking for in a new contract, and it could take some work to pry him away from the upstart Indiana Pacers. However, in theory, Turner could be the exact prototype the team may be looking for at the center position. Turner is going to help the offense by stretching bigs to the perimeter and is one of the better shot-blocking paint-protectors in the game.
This is a move that could be costly, but certainly one the Lakers may have to consider if they're serious about emerging as a contender next season. The Pacers can make this a moot point if they're willing to enter the luxury tax to pay Turner. However, recent reporting seems to think that may not be the case. At the very least, it's certainly one potential trade target to keep an eye on. A big four of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Turner could be lethal.