Lakers: 3 stars Rob Pelinka can trade for not named Kyrie Irving

Buddy Hield

The Lakers have been linked to Buddy Hield before, and with their hopes of landing Irving stalling, it’s no surprise to see Hield’s name come up again.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Pacers and Lakers are rumored to have “reengaged” trade talks over Hield.

It sounds like Indiana could be interested in buying out Russell Westbrook’s contract, which they have cap room for. Myles Turner could also be involved. However, the Pacers wouldn’t do that as charity. The Lakers have first-round draft picks that their trade partner would surely have an eye on.

The Pacers could also target Talen Horton-Tucker as a make-weight.

If a trade got done, Los Angeles would be happy to welcome Hield as a three-point specialist. He averaged 18.2 points after joining the Pacers for 26 games, shooting 44.7 percent from the field. He’s a career 39.8 percent shooter from three-point distance.