5 things the Lakers can actually do to improve this year's team

5 things the Lakers can actually do to improve this year’s team

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James of Los Angeles Lakers warms up before NBA game between Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 31: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers on the court in the game against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 31, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. Make the deal for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield

Getting rid of Westbrook’s contract is not going to bring back anything close to positive value for the Lakers unless they’re willing to include draft picks to sweeten the deal. Los Angeles needs to bite the bullet and accept that packaging Westbrook with the two first-round picks they can still trade is a necessity if they’re going to turn this season around.

The best deal out there seems to be an intriguing swap with the Pacers. Indiana seems firmly committed to tanking this season and could be willing to deal veterans as a result. Myles Turner and Buddy Hield might both be there for the Lakers if they want to make the big move.

Turner would give the Lakers a stretch 5 who can allow Davis to move back to the power forward spot. That isn’t ideal for Davis’ personal efficiency, but it should save wear and tear on his body during the regular season. It also simply gives the Lakers a better player to assign 30+ minutes per night too in the form of Turner.

Hield is overpaid but not as much as Westbrook. He also can provide gravity as a shooter the Lakers desperately need. His defensive efforts won’t be a great help to Los Angeles in the playoffs, but that’s an issue for another day.

dark. Next. Lakers trade rumors are already heating up

Yes, giving away two more (likely) unprotected first-round picks will be risky for the Lakers, but they have to rely on their attraction as a free-agent destination to make up for punting their draft for years to come. Offloading Westbrook for Turner and Hield is the best they can hope to do if they want to maximize this season’s win total.

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