The Lakers pull off a stunning trade to bring in two key Pacers players, instantly turning them into legit title contenders for the upcoming season.

After a summer full of speculation and minor roster tweaks, the Los Angeles Lakers might hit the jackpot with a blockbuster trade. In this mock scenario, L.A. lands two pivotal pieces from the Indiana Pacers, addressing some of their biggest needs and setting the stage for a serious championship run. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still leading the charge, the addition of these Pacers stars could be the missing link that turns the Lakers into a powerhouse. Let’s dive into how this deal shakes up the team and what it means for their title aspirations in the 2024-25 season.

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Trade Proposal

Lakers receive: Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin

Pacers receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, 2031 First-Round Pick

In this hypothetical trade, the Lakers bolster their roster by acquiring Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin from the Pacers. Turner would instantly solidify the Lakers’ defense with his elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing abilities, while Mathurin adds a young, dynamic scorer who can grow alongside the team’s veteran stars. On the flip side, the Indiana Pacers receive a solid package with Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jaxson Hayes—players who fit their timeline for rebuilding. Throw in a 2031 first-round pick, and Indiana gets valuable assets for their future while the Lakers go all-in on their championship pursuit.

The Lakers Would Become A Real Powerhouse

Adding Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin to the Lakers would immediately elevate the team’s status to legitimate title contenders. Turner’s fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is almost perfect. As a center who can stretch the floor with his shooting, Turner would create additional space for LeBron to drive and for Davis to operate in the post. His defensive presence, highlighted by his 1.9 blocks per game last season, would also fortify the Lakers’ interior, allowing Davis to play more freely without the burden of being the primary rim protector. Turner averaged 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in 77 games last season, showing he can contribute offensively while anchoring the defense.

Turner is also on an expiring contract, which might initially raise concerns about his long-term fit with the Lakers. However, if the partnership proves successful, the Lakers could look to re-sign him in the offseason, securing a key piece of their core for the next several years. Even if Turner decides to explore free agency, his contributions during this season could be enough to propel the Lakers deep into the playoffs, making the risk worth taking. This move signals the Lakers’ commitment to winning now, leveraging the final prime years of LeBron and the peak of Anthony Davis’s career.

Bennedict Mathurin, on the other hand, brings a youthful burst of energy and scoring potential that could thrive in the Lakers’ system. Although he faced injury setbacks last season, limiting him to 59 games, Mathurin still managed to post solid numbers with 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His ability to score from the perimeter and his aggressive driving to the basket would add another dimension to the Lakers’ offense, making them even more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

Mathurin’s youth and potential are particularly intriguing for the Lakers. Unlike Turner, who is more of a known quantity, Mathurin represents untapped potential. Under the mentorship of veterans like LeBron, he could develop into a star in his own right. His scoring prowess would be a perfect complement to the playmaking of D’Angelo Russell and LeBron, and his versatility on the wing would allow the Lakers to experiment with various lineups, depending on the matchup.

With this trade, the Lakers’ starting lineup could look something like this: D’Angelo Russell at point guard, Bennedict Mathurin at shooting guard, LeBron James at small forward, Anthony Davis at power forward, and Myles Turner at center. This lineup has a mix of veteran leadership, defensive grit, and offensive firepower. Turner’s ability to space the floor and protect the rim, combined with Mathurin’s scoring punch, gives the Lakers a balanced attack that would be difficult for any opponent to match.

Off the bench, the Lakers would still have solid contributors in players like Gabe Vincent and Max Christie, who can provide shooting and defense. The team’s depth would ensure that the Lakers remain competitive even when their stars are resting. This level of depth and versatility would be crucial in the grind of an 82-game season and the intensity of the playoffs.

A Great Future Return For The Contending Pacers

For the Indiana Pacers, this mock trade represents an excellent opportunity to continue building on the momentum they generated last season when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers have established themselves as a young, up-and-coming team, and adding pieces that align with their timeline is crucial. By trading away Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin, they acquire a trio of players from the Lakers who can contribute both now and in the future.

Rui Hachimura, who averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 68 games last season, is the first key piece heading to Indiana. Hachimura has shown flashes of being a reliable scoring option, particularly with his mid-range game and ability to score in the post. His physicality and athleticism make him a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions, fitting well into the Pacers’ defensive schemes. While he hasn’t fully broken out as a star, the Pacers could provide the environment where Hachimura reaches his full potential, especially given the larger role he would likely play on a younger team.

Austin Reaves is arguably the most valuable piece the Pacers receive in this trade. Reaves had a breakout season with the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds across 82 games. His development as a playmaker and scorer has been remarkable, and he brings a high basketball IQ that complements his physical skills. Reaves is the type of player who can slot into any lineup, offering the Pacers flexibility with their rotations. He’s shown that he can handle the ball, facilitate the offense, and knock down shots when needed, making him an ideal candidate to grow alongside Indiana’s other young talents like Tyrese Haliburton. Reaves’ ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his clutch moments with the Lakers, would be a tremendous asset in Indiana’s pursuit of sustained playoff success.

Jaxson Hayes, who posted 4.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in 70 games, adds depth to the Pacers’ frontcourt. While his stats might not jump off the page, Hayes is an athletic big man who excels in a rim-running role and can provide solid minutes off the bench. His size and athleticism allow him to be an effective shot-blocker and rebounder in limited minutes, and he has the potential to develop further with more consistent playing time. In Indiana, Hayes would have the chance to grow in a less pressurized environment, possibly flourishing into a more reliable contributor as he gains experience.

This trade not only brings in immediate contributors but also aligns perfectly with Indiana’s strategy of building a young, competitive team. With Haliburton running the show and players like Hachimura and Reaves fitting seamlessly into the system, the Pacers could continue to be a force in the Eastern Conference. The 2031 first-round pick adds another asset to Indiana’s future, giving them the flexibility to either draft or use it in future trades to acquire more talent as their young core matures.

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Source: New York Post