The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to pursue a quality center in the upcoming offseason. However, one of their main targets, Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, may be unattainable due to the team’s existing cap space limitations.
The Lakers are set to be one of the most closely watched teams during the offseason as they work to reshape their roster. Among the names linked to the team, Myles Turner stands out as an ideal fit given his abilities as a rim protector and floor spacer.
Unfortunately, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Lakers lack the necessary cap space to sign Turner outright in free agency. Turner, coming off a two-year, \$40.9 million contract, is expected to seek a larger deal after a strong season with Indiana.
The 29-year-old averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, while also showcasing his shooting touch from beyond the arc. His skill set as a mobile big who can both defend the rim and stretch the floor would be perfect for the Lakers. However, Los Angeles is already over the cap and nearing the first luxury tax apron, making a direct signing virtually impossible.
Given this financial constraint, the Lakers may need to explore a trade to acquire Turner, though this path would be considerably more complicated. To make it happen, Los Angeles would have to put together a substantial trade package that could entice the Pacers.
Bobby Marks suggested the Lakers could leverage assets like their 2031 first-round pick, five pick swaps, and players like Dalton Knecht, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent. An alternative package might involve swapping out Hachimura for Finney-Smith, along with an additional pick swap. To make the financials align, moving Knecht would likely be necessary.
The Pacers, meanwhile, face their own cap challenges, sitting just \$6.9 million below the first luxury tax apron. With Turner not factored into their current salary calculations, Indiana may need to shed salary to re-sign him. Turner has been crucial to their postseason run, averaging 18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game in their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the Pacers holding a 2-0 series lead, they may hold off on any decisions regarding Turner’s future until the offseason. In the meantime, the Lakers could shift their attention to more attainable targets, such as Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets, who appears to be a more realistic option given their cap situation.
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