Why an Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers trade is going to happen

Charlotte

The Charlotte Hornets are not nearly as good as they were projected to be. The season is largely derailed and it is unclear how much they can get it back onto track. They have some solid tradable pieces, but similar to Indiana, it isn’t a sure thing what would be the best direction for them to go.
There are many versions of this trade with the Lakers, but usually it goes something like:

Hornets potential offer: Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier

Pacers potential offer: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield

This one is a very close trade in terms of talent. Gordon Hayward is likely the most talented person in the group, but also has the most concerning injury history. The Hornets package doesn’t include a center, which has the potential not to disrupt Anthony Davis too much. However, the shooting that Buddy Hield provides seems to be something the Lakers need desperately.

The Pacers offer seems to have a bit more of a defensive focus and less injury risk than the Hornets, but comes with some financial risk if the Lakers would be unable to extend Myles Turner.
These two trades are almost a wash, but given Gordon Hayward’s injury risk, we feel that the Pacers deal has a slight edge.

Our decision: Indiana Pacers deal is slightly better, but may depend on the Lakers vision.