Lakers insider makes feelings clear on LA's upcoming trade moves ahead of deadline

The LA Lakers are having a good run this season but it is nowhere near their prime form. The Purple and Gold lack in roster depth compared to the rest of the league. They don't have a backup center to cover for their injury-prone star big man Anthony Davis who has been an essential player in the JJ Redick's tactics.

The fans have been left wondering if the purple and gold are going to make a move before the trade deadline. Lakers insider Jovan Buha answered those queries on Thursday on his YouTube stream and shared his feelings about the situation at the franchise's headquarters.

"I think people are starting to temper their expectations as to what the Lakers are actually going to do and I think there's some skepticism as to them potentially using the first-round pick. (33:20)

"I am interested in seeing how many first-round picks are actually moved at this upcoming trade deadline and the way teams are valuing first-round picks. In previous years, a Schroeder. ..., those kind of guys might have gone for protected firsts, but now it's like, just throw as many seconds as we can to go get the guy but we really don't wanna give up a first-round pick."

Buha then gave his thoughts on what kind of moves he expects the Lakers to make:

"Probably be along the lines of getting a backup center for a second-round pick or two and just getting whoever's the best backup they can get. Or trying to see if there's a playmaker we can get for a couple of seconds, but as far as using picks, in my conversations there's been a lot of skepticism so we'll see."

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is reportedly eyeing Pacers star to solidify their roster

As the trade deadline approaches, the Purple and Gold are left to decide to deal with their weakness. As per Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report, LA Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is eyeing Pacers star Myles Turner as a solution to one of their biggest problems.

Midway through the season, it is clear that the 18-time NBA champions need a backup center to help them make a deep playoff run this season. However, LA's front office has been struggling to find the right candidate. As per Swartz, Turner could be a good fit for the Lakers, as the Pacers will need to trade him if they can't afford to re-sign him.

Additionally, Swartz highlighted that trading Turner would allow the Pacers to solidify their roster around Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Turner would bring great offensive and defensive prowess to LA. The former 11th pick is a two-time NBA blocks leader and is averaging 15.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game this season.