Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Indiana Pacers expect to open the season with Myles Turner as their starting center. Which means, definitionally, that he will not be acquired before then by the Lakers with Buddy Hield in exchange for Russell Westbrook and two first round picks. Nor is it expected that the Lakers will trade for anyone on the Utah Jazz as they look to rebuild after trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
So what are they going to do? Does Rob Pelinka just plan on punting the season? Does passing up an opportunity now mean the Lakers won't have a better one later? Are any of the options available to them today better than what might be behind doors as the season proceeds? Could Turner and Hield be an option closer to the deadline?
Are any of these trade options better than simply waiting, holding the picks and combining that with some cap space in the summertime?
One good bit of shorthand about the talent level available to the Lakers in trades came from ESPN's annual player ranking project. It illustrates the quality of player the Lakers would be giving away and what might be coming back in return. Is it enough talent to fire the only shot the Lakers really have? If not, is it better to wait?
Does Rob Pelinka deserve credit for not doing the hyper-aggressive thing in a season where he might be general managing for his job?
But all of this pales in comparison to the intense debate around LeBron James's hair. Did he shave it? Considerable time was devoted to Wednesday's show, praising James for his sound follicular choice. Turns out, though, it might have been a filter. BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE. The man has lost the battle.
What he looks like on Monday's Media Day will be of intensive interest. Here's hoping he does the right thing.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: What did LeBron do with his hair? HAIRGATE!
SEGMENT 2: The Lakers have, apparently, passed on the chance to do the Indiana deal. Right choice?
SEGMENT 3: What kind of talent is out there for the Lakers to acquire?
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