Lakers trade rumors: Rob Pelinka contemplating moving 2 first rounders for dream fit next to Anthony Davis 

The LA Lakers and Myles Turner links are coming to fruition. According to the latest trade rumors, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is contemplating trading the team's 2029 and 2031 first-round picks for the Indiana Pacers big man, who is widely viewed as a dream fit next to Anthony Davis.

Turner, on paper, is the best center fit next to Davis. He's a floor spacing center and shot blocker. Turner is averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks this year, shooting 39.3%. The 28-year-old is relatively young and can be a long-term acquisition.

However, insider Anthony Irwin reported that the Lakers' potential offer of two first-round picks hinges on Turner's motivation to re-sign with the team. He's in the final year of his deal, making $19.9 million. Rumors around Turner's exit from Indiana have transpired amid the Pacers' reluctance to match his demands for an extension. Here's what Irwin wrote:

"According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the Lakers have held extensive conversations about Turner internally and are weighing whether it makes sense to put both the first-rounders they can move this trade deadline on the table for him."

"One real question for Los Angeles is whether Turner would re-sign this summer at a number they're comfortable with. If the answer to that question is yes, then maybe, just maybe, this is the year Rob Pelinka trades for him."

He's reportedly asking for a $30 million annual extension. The Lakers may have an issue with that, too, on top of spending two picks on a one-year rental can impact their plans. That could hold Pelinka back from a potential deal with the Pacers, who will likely be enticed by the prospect of acquiring the 2029 and 2031 picks from LA.

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Can the LA Lakers afford to give Myles Turner $30 million a year?

Myles Turner is arguably the best center prospect next to Anthony Davis. Together, they could elevate the Lakers' defense at a level not seen before, even during the 2020 championship season and the following year, when the Lakers led the league in defensive ratings.

However, it's going to cost the Lakers one way or another. The first big decision would be to spend two first-round picks and the next to offer Turner a deal that satisfies his expectations. If it's close to the $30 million mark, as reported by insider Jovan Buha, it may be on the higher end.

So, is Turner worth the gamble? Let's break it down.

Turner is 28, so he still has significant time left in his prime. He's also been healthy over the past couple of seasons, playing 77 games in 2023-24 and 62 in 2022-23. However, in the current CBA model, an annual $30 million contract, could be significantly expensive for the Lakers.

It would handicap them over the next couple of seasons, with Anthony Davis making $54.1 million in 2025-26, $58.4 million in 2026-27 and $62.7 million in 2027-28.

Austin Reaves is on a team-friendly deal until 2026-27, but his next contract may not be that cheap. As reliable as Reaves and Turner are, they aren't All-Star caliber players. And if the Lakers, who will likely look for another star once LeBron James leaves at the end of this season or the next, it may limit them from making a splash.

Moreover, there's no guarantee that Myles Turner would manage to keep up his level of play and production to warrant solid returns if the Lakers plan to move him for a star in the future. Once he enters his 30s, he may not hold the same value, even if he is delivering at a decent clip.

As it stands, it may not be the best choice for the Lakers to offer Turner an annual $30 million contract extension.