Turner was intrigued when questioned about a rumour last month that the Lakers were in serious talks with the Pacers about potentially trading their two unprotected first-round selections (2027 and '29) to Indiana for him and Buddy Hield during an appearance on "The Woj Pod" on Monday.
According to The Athletic, the Lakers attempted to negotiate a blockbuster trade with the Pacers to get rid of Russell Westbrook immediately before training camp started. After a historically bad offensive performance last season, the veteran guard was at the centre of trade rumours all summer. The Pacers would have received Turner and Hield in exchange for Westbrook and Los Angeles' two unprotected first-round selections in 2027 and 2029. However, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka allegedly ended the talks and decided to "stay patient" to watch how the club gels.