For the Los Angeles Lakers, it is understandable that they would not want to just deal out their picks. But if they intend to get better, they may have to think twice.
In the latest update on the reported pursuit of the Lakers to acquire Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers, a potential deal has reportedly fallen apart.
According to Bob Kravitz of The Athletic, the Lakers offered a trade package headlined by Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick to acquire Hield and Myles Turner.
Unfortunately, the Pacers reportedly wanted another first-round pick included in the deal. So similar to their previous pursuits, the Lakers' hopes of ridding themselves of Westbrook and adding a couple of assets have been spurned anew due to their refusal to add future draft picks.
Knowing that the Lakers have some aging players like LeBron James in the fold, it is understandable why they would be hesitant to give up their future picks.
The Lakers have had good picks in the past years but most have ended up being dealt to other teams. Better yet, players like Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram ended up shining with their new NBA squads.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting if the Lakers can take in a pick and practice enough patience for them to come into full circle.
As far as the said deal, there is no question that the addition of Hield and Turner would make the purple and gold an interesting team to watch this coming NBA season.
Further, it allows them to part ways with Westbrook. The 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player struggled to fit into the system of the Lakers last season under former head coach Frank Vogel.
With Darvin Ham now calling the shots, it will be interesting if he can transform and utilize Westbrook this coming NBA season – assuming no trade happens before the 2022-23 NBA wars.
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