According to Lakers team reporter Jovan Buha broke the news in the podcast show: Compared with trading Westbrook, the Lakers now want to use Beverly, a player whose contract is about to expire and a first-round pick As a bargaining chip for key players suitable for the team. Beverly switched from Timberwolves to the Lakers this summer. He was previously suspended by the league for three games and fined for fouling Ayton behind his back. A defensive champion in the league, he can only score 4.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 rebounds this season. The sluggish stats for assists. And his annual salary of up to $13 million this season is the fifth highest salary in the Lakers. The sluggish state is the main reason why the Lakers included Beverley in the trade.
American media The Athletic reported that the Lakers are expected to reach a trade plan with the Pacers and for Beverly. The specific trading plan is for the Lakers to send Beverly, Nunn, , and the first-round pick in 2027, and get their inside core Myers Turner from the Pacers . For the Pacers who are rebuilding, they are not willing to renew the contract with Turner whose contract is about to expire. The salary of the former league block leader this season is 18 million US dollars. Both Beverly and Nunn's contracts will expire next season, which will help the Pacers free up salary space, and they also got a first-round pick. For the Pacers who are rebuilding, they have nothing for sale. Before the start of this season, the Lakers had rumors of trading with Turner and Hilder .
Turner is an extremely talented athletic insider with good defensive ability and long-range shooting. His arrival can improve the Lakers' inside defensive strength. At the same time, the arrival of Turner can make thick eyebrows return to the 4th position, reduce his pressure on the defensive end, and reduce his probability of injury. Moreover, the Lakers can also use thick eyebrows and Turner's twin tower tactics when attacking, making the team's offense more diverse. Westbrook, who returned to the bench, performed well, which is the main reason why the Lakers gave up trading him. When the Rockets and Thunder met in the playoffs , Beverly's bad defensive actions caused Westbrook to be injured. Therefore, Westbrook was somewhat worried about Beverly's joining. Sending away means that the Lakers are likely not to initiate a deal about Westbrook.
And the Lakers will also form a luxurious Big Four lineup composed of James , thick eyebrows, and Turner Westbrook. If this lineup produces a good chemical reaction after a period of running-in, the Lakers are still very competitive in the West. Although the Lakers still can't shake the championship team's throne, they can definitely become one of the biggest spoilers in the Midwest in the playoffs.