Lakers Allegedly Discussing Deal With Pacers Anew For Buddy Hield

The Los Angeles Lakers have limited options and are targeting only a handful of players.

But it appears a familiar name has cropped up again with reports that the franchise has re-engaged in talks with the Indiana Pacers for Buddy Hield per CBS Sports.

Given that the Pacers now find themselves with a crowded backcourt, dealing Hield to the Lakers would make sense.

Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte and Bennedict Mathurin comprise the Pacers guard rotation, suggesting that Hield may not get the proper amount of playing time for the coming NBA season.

However, getting a deal done would be tricky.

One scenario could see the Lakers dealing out Russell Westbrook.

Considering the Pacers have ample cap space to accommodate the 6-foot-4 guard. But any trade may have to involve Myles Turner, someone who has been linked to the Lakers in the past as well.

If not that route, the Lakers could opt to match the salary of Hield. That would mean giving up multiple players.

Among the players that could be dealt include Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and Wenyen Gabriel.

Other trade scenarios could involve future picks although the Lakers have been hesitant to do that in the past.

Hield could be a plausible option for the Lakers especially if their alleged pursuit of Kyrie Irving fails to materialize.

The Brooklyn Nets have yet to find a taker for the one-time champion, complicated by the fact that Kevin Durant is also seeking a trade.

With time running out on the Lakers, it may all boil down to what deal they can secure first.

Should they strike a deal and take in Hield from the Pacers, all plans of possibly landing Irving could be miffed.

LeBron James reportedly prefers to take in Irving, seen as the right player to fill in their gap to make up for a disappointing 2021-22 season.

Hence, the Lakers have to decide fast and make a choice.