Pacers Young Wing Receives Trade Interest from Lakers?

Dan Woike of the LA Times reported, "Pacers Bennedict Mathurin is being monitored by nearly every team seen as a buyer at the deadline."

Although the report doesn't precisely frame Mathurin in a potential trade with the Lakers, the aforementioned article discusses players the Lakers could pursue. 

Mathurin is an unrestricted free agent in 2026, so the Pacers don't have to trade the young at this juncture. However, if the price is right and the franchise money is saved, trading Mathurin for draft compensation and a net-positive player could occur. 

Although the Pacers have numerous players who contribute to their realistic journey for a playoff home-court advantage, Mathurin offers a significant mixture of athleticism and shooting ability. 

Mathurin averages 16.4 points on a career-high 47 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3. In addition to adequate shooting, Mathurin's improvement on defensive relays in his rebound metrics. The Pacers wing averages a career-high 5.9 rebounds per contest. 

The report also mentions Myles Turner, who is more likely the next player for the Pacers to trade, as he's a free agent after the 2024-25 season concludes.  

Nonetheless, as Feb. 6 approaches, look for Mathurin's name in future reports, regardless of their legitimacy. Mathurin has reached trade rumor significance, which speaks to his leap in the league.