Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Los Angeles Lakers were able to get a much-needed win on Sunday, all fans would agree that the team has a long way to go before it’s really and truly competitive.

Most people have come to the conclusion that this team won’t get better unless some new assets are added to the roster.

The problem is that General Manager Rob Pelinka has been very hesitant to make the moves required to get other players, instead dearly holding onto the draft picks needed to be part of any trade.

But that might be changing and Lakers fans are elated to think of it.

The other day, Pelinka was spotted at the airport hopping on a flight to Indianapolis, Indiana, the home of the Indiana Pacers.

Right around that time, Pacers guard Buddy Hield posted a cryptic tweet, saying simply, “Ayyooo” with multiple eye emojis.

Does this mean that Pelinka is finally having serious talks with the Pacers about getting Hield, something LA fans have wanted for so long?

Bargaining For Buddy

The conventional wisdom says that if the Lakers want to get Hield (who is averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 46.9% from the field and 40.8% from the three-point line) they will likely have to part ways with at least one draft pick and Russell Westbrook.

Well, now might be the time to deal away Westbrook.

The man has come back to life as a bench player and actually has trade value for the first time in months.

Perhaps the Pacers are willing to hear the Lakers out when it comes to Westbrook – maybe they will even take a deal that goes easier on the Lakers’ bottom line.

Perhaps Pelinka just has a connecting flight in Indiana and Hield’s tweet was unrelated.

But Lakers fans are eager to see what happens next.

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