NBA Rumors: Lakers, Pacers "Re-Engaged" In Trade Talks

As the Kyrie Irving talks with the Brooklyn Nets slow to a crawl, the Los Angeles Lakers are turning their attention elsewhere for some help. And they're returning to a trade partner they've already talked with, mainly about a player they've been chasing for some time.

.@mcten on the latest trade rumors surrounding the Lakers 👀

“There has been some talks reengaged between the Lakers and the Indiana Pacers that would center around a Buddy Hield deal.” pic.twitter.com/2GiNSYQhds

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 20, 2022

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports that "There have been some talks re-engaged between the Lakers and the Indiana Pacers that would center around a Buddy Hield deal. And it could be a deal that includes Russell Westbrook if you're talking about also having Myles Turner in that deal. Or perhaps a secondary move where you would be talking about a Talen Horton-Tucker type of package where you can get Buddy Hield."

The Lakers nearly acquired Hield from the Sacramento Kings at this time last year, but were sidetracked at the last minute by LeBron James' desire to trade for Russell Westbrook instead. We all know how that turned out.

Hield would add a much-needed shooting presence and floor-spacer to the Lakers lineup. He's averaged 40% on threes over the course of his six-year career. 

Adding Myles Turner into a Westbrook-related deal would be a huge boon to the Lakers, but why the Pacers would want to give up both of those assets simply to get, and then presumably buyout Westbrook, is a major head-scratcher. 

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