NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to reshape the Los Angeles Lakers

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2022 in Sacramento, California, NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to reshape the Los Angeles Lakers. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Indiana Pacers

Pacers receive: Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, 2025 2nd-Round Pick

Lakers receive: Myles Turner

The Lakers have long wanted to retain Talen Horton-Tucker, however, he failed to take the next step in a reasonably disappointing season. Still, he’s a talented 21-year-old who may yet thrive if given the opportunity.

Will that opportunity come at the Lakers though, with James renowned for not wanting to play alongside younger players? Acquiring Myles Turner in exchange would provide a perfect fit next to Davis, with the pair containing the potential to be the best defensive big man duo in the league. Furthermore, Turner’s three-point shooting would help the Lakers’ offensive spacing and allow Davis to play his preferred role at power forward.

For the Indiana Pacers, they continue their rebuild by cashing in Turner for a younger talent. Bringing in Horton-Tucker may also convince them to scour the league and find an appropriate deal for guard Malcolm Brogdon.

NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Donte DiVincenzo

Filling out the Lakers starting lineup, Donte DiVincenzo would be a complementary piece as a 3&D role player. Now four years into his career, DiVincenzo averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds on 38% shooting from three as a starter for the Bucks during their championship season. He’s since struggled with injuries and was traded mid-season to the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers have little in the way of cap space to be able to sign him, however, the promise of a starting role and the lure of Los Angeles may entice DiVincenzo into a one-year minimum deal to increase his value for next offseason.

This final move could complete a starting line-up of DiVincenzo-Hayward-James-Davis-Turner, a unit with far greater balance and versatility than what we’ve seen recently. That’s a big lineup with the capacity to re-ignite the team’s defensive standing within the league, and while there are no direct sharpshooters, all five players could provide a three-point threat if Davis were to improve that area of his game.

Of course, injuries may well plague them much like this season, however, given the Lakers’ lack of roster flexibility at present, these are the kind of risks they need to take.

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