For the beginning of the regular season in 2023–24, the Los Angeles Lakers are almost finished assembling their team. They have 14 players listed on their active roster, and they seem satisfied to start the season with one unfilled position. But as the Indiana Pacers and Buddy Hield stories demonstrate, things can change rapidly in the NBA.
Yesterday, Shams Charania suggested that extension discussions between Hield and the Pacers had broken down and that the Pacers were now accepting offers on him. There will be several teams interested, and Hield may still be a great asset to the Lakers. The Lakers are rumored to be interested in acquiring the sharpshooting guard, as are the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks.
“The Lakers were long rumored for Buddy Hield… You look at teams like Dallas, Philly, Milwaukee. Those are the types of teams that could definitely use a shooter like Buddy Hield.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania on potential landing spots for Hield.@BrookeFletcher | #TheRally pic.twitter.com/B1h5XxpG1j
— The Rally (@TheRally) September 21, 2023
Hield, who spent his first full season with the Pacers last season, might be deployed as a backup to Benedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard. The Lakers have made substantial offseason changes to remain contenders, but Hield might offer them more firepower.
The Lakers have indicated interest in obtaining perimeter shooting depth, and Hield would be an excellent addition. Last season, the 30-year-old averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He shot 42.5 percent from deep and 45.8 percent from the field in 80 games.
The Los Angeles Lakers can’t currently trade for Buddy Hield
For Lakers fans who have been hearing about potential Hield deals for almost two years, this situation is all too familiar. Despite general manager Rob Pelinka’s fondness for the sharpshooting guard, Los Angeles will not be at the center of negotiations for the first time since Hield was originally mentioned.
The biggest significant impediment to the Lakers reaching an agreement with Hield is league regulations. Hield will make $18.6 million in 2023–24, the last season of a four-year, $94 million contract. The Lakers are over the salary limit, thus any deal must (essentially) match wages. Except for LeBron, AD, and Reaves, the Lakers are now extremely constrained in terms of moveable assets. Jarred Vanderbilt, who was just extended, will not be dealt with until next summer.
Christie is most likely out for the 30-year-old Hield. Jalen Hood-Schifino’s salary will be $3.7 million. Russell, Hachimura, Vincent, Prince, Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish are all unable to be moved until December 15. If Hield continues with the Pacers in December, the Lakers may try to trade him. If Hield is traded before the season, it will not be to the purple and gold.
