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Pacers' Myles Turner Seems to Survive Lakers Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 11:35 AM ET

Even before trading away Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers were expected to add a high-level center to their frontcourt ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

While they were linked to several names, Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner has long been on their radar, with attempts to trade for him dating back to at least 2022 . This season, amid an uncertain future with the Pacers due to his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Lakers were expected to make a pursuit for the veteran big man, but on Wednesday night, they swapped Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, solving their problems.

This season, Williams is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Turner, meanwhile, offers 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, but can space the floor, shooting above 40 percent from 3-point range for the first time in his career.

After the Lakers swindled Luka Doncic from the Mavericks, adding Williams for such a high price seems like an overpay, but the Hornets smartly understood that the Lakers were operating with a sense of desperation.

Had the Pacers been offered the same return for their soon-to-be free agent, it's hard to imagine them passing up on such a deal, but uncertainty surrounding how much it will cost to retain him likely prevented the Lakers from making a move, and Williams is still on his rookie contract, so his contract is very easy for the Lakers to absorb, and he could be a long-term running mate for Doncic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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