After having the healthiest season of his career in 2023-24, playing in 76 games and making the All-NBA second team, Anthony Davis has taken another step forward this season. He is in the midst of one of the most productive seasons of his career, averaging 26.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game, while only missing three games.
On Monday, he had his best game of the season, exploding for 42 points and 23 rebounds on 17/28 shooting against the Charlotte Hornets.
AD's dominance in recent weeks comes on the heel of his plea to the Lakers front office. Last week, Davis told ESPN's Shams Charania that he wants the Lakers to trade for another big man so that he could play the power forward.
Myles Turner Emerges as Potential Lakers Trade Target
There is one potential trade target that Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently mentioned who would be an excellent fit next to AD. Buha revealed that he had heard some chatter about the Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner potentially being available at the trade deadline.
"I have heard a little bit of chatter about that, about some uncertainty, and not Lakers specific just kind of league chatter in terms of Turner... If Myles Turner is available, I think if you're the Lakers, you have to go get him because he just fits perfectly next to AD on both sides of the floor. "Jovan Buha, The Athletic
Finding a center to play next to Davis is not an easy task. As dominant as AD has been this season, his lack of shooting makes him a tough fit next to another center. Turner, however, is not a traditional center. Not only is he a good rim protector who can anchor the defense, but his shooting also allows him to space the floor, making him a unique big man.
Adding a good shooter into the mix without jeopardizing the defense would be a massive boost for the Lakers.
The main reason the Pacers could look to part ways with Turner is his contract status. The 28-year-old is on an expiring contract, and Indiana may be hesitant to give him a lucrative, long-term deal with an estimated average annual salary of over $30 million. They may choose to get draft capital for him instead, making him a potential trade target for the Lakers.