Before the Lakers traded Talen Horton-Tucker to the Jazz in the Patrick Beverley deal, the Pacers expressed interest in the 21-year-old wing, Michael Scotto said in the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast.
As Scotto explains, the Pacers were interested in pursuing a deal that sent Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, and Daniel Theis to the Lakers in exchange for Russell Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, and Los Angeles’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. However, L.A. has been reluctant to include both of those first-rounders in any deal not involving Kyrie Irving, and was not particularly enthusiastic about swapping Horton-Tucker for Theis.
Although Horton-Tucker is off the table, Indiana remain one of the two most likely landing spots for Westbrook, according to Buha, who says a deal involving the Pacers and Westbrook could involve just one of Hield or Turner — the Pacers still have $30M+ in cap room and could take on Westbrook’s $47M+ expiring contract without sending out both players. Still, Buha believes that Utah is a more viable destination for Westbrook than Indiana.
Here is more on the Lakers from the HoopsHype podcast:
- Scotto has gotten the impression that Austin Reaves and the Lakers have mutual interest in continuing their relationship beyond the 2022-23 season. Reaves will be a restricted free agent next summer and will be seeking a pay bump on his minimum-salary contract.
- While Kendrick Nunn has been around the Lakers’ facility and has been working out, his ramp-up process has been slowed than anticipated, according to Buha. Nunn said a month ago that he feels 100 percent healthy, but the acquisition of Beverley gives the team some extra insurance at point guard.
- A reunion between Carmelo Anthony and the Lakers remains possible, in Buha’s view, but he believes the veteran forward is more likely to land elsewhere. L.A. still needs more shooting, which Anthony could provide, but also wants to continue to upgrade its perimeter defense, which is not one of Carmelo’s strengths.
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