NBA Rumors: Lakers May Go After Shot-Blocking Stalwart To Fortify Defense

As most may have heard by now, the Indiana Pacers appear headed to a reboot.

Their top stars are up for grabs. That list includes Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and Caris LeVert–three tempting targets that teams will surely explore.

Of those three names, Turner could be an interesting pickup–assuming that teams have the budget to accommodate his $17.5 million salary.

The 6-foot-11 center is in the third year of a four-year, $80 million contract and is due another $17.5 million for the 2022-23 season.

It may take multiple assets to secure the services of the 25-year-old player who would be a gem of an addition on the defensive end.

Although he has been steady in the point production and rebounding department with acceptable stats, it is Turner’s rim-defending prowess that makes him an interesting player to consider.

Ironically, defense is something that has been paling for the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

Most know how the franchise is already strapped for cash with most of their money invested in LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

Hence, the best the Lakers can do is sacrifice some of their bench players such as Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn.

But with Nunn still dealing with a knee injury, the main focus is Horton-Tucker, the Bleacher Report pointed out.

A Turner move to Hollywood would give the Lakers a boost defensively, but the chances do not look promising.

Although they could end up tanking, adding Horton-Tucker and Nunn may not make sense for head coach Rick Carlisle who already has a plethora of players in the backcourt.

This is with the assumption that no other deals are done to clean out backcourt players who may not be part of the Pacers’ plans.

Aside from the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks could also take their chances.

But like Los Angeles, it would take much sacrifice for these teams to pull off a deal for Turner, who is also averaging 2.8 blocks per game this 2021-22 season.

Sabonis and LeVert are more or scoring threats that any NBA team would want.

But for clubs in need of defensive help, it would be best to keep a close eye on Turner–especially teams who are determined to make the postseason wars.