The Lakers’ frontcourt challenges have become blatantly obvious this season, sparking discussion about whether or not the Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner could be the solution to LA’s problem.

The nine-year veteran is averaging 14.9 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting a career-best 39.2% from three-point range. According to Athlon Sports’ Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, Turner headlines Indiana’s list of potential trade candidates ahead of the February 6 deadline.

With Turner in the final year of his deal and the Pacers falling out of contention, Indiana may look to move the two-way big man while they can still get value in return.

A Turner acquisition would address multiple Lakers weaknesses. Jaxson Hayes has struggled to provide reliable backup minutes behind Anthony Davis, and his recent ankle injury only highlights the team’s thin frontcourt depth.

At the same time, Turner’s ability to protect the rim while stretching the floor makes him an ideal complement to AD. While the Lakers have been linked to Turner in previous seasons, his $40.9 million contract continues to present a financial challenge.

However, with Hayes underperforming and Turner potentially available, Rob Pelinka may need to get creative to land the kind of frontcourt talent that could salvage the Lakers’ championship hopes.

Turner’s two-way capacity and ability to stretch the floor could provide the Lakers the frontcourt upgrade they desperately need.

That said, acquiring Turner comes at a high cost.

Having recently landed Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, we’ll see if the Lakers deem it necessary to spend so much on Turner.