WHO SAY NO?

This trade makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Pacers: They get within about $1.5M of getting under the luxury tax, save money long-term, and don’t have to worry about paying Jarace Walker next summer. Dalton Knecht still has another year on his rookie deal, and offensively he’s a floor spacer with real three-level scoring upside. He could be exactly what Indiana’s second unit needs. He also slots in as a backup 2/3, allowing Oubre to play more at the 3/4, which is probably his more natural role. Best of all, they turn a player who didn’t have a consistent role into a useful rotation piece without giving up any draft assets.

Lakers: They get a 22-year-old forward who can dribble, pass, shoot, and most importantly, defend. Jarace isn’t elite at any one thing, but he’s a versatile 3/4 who willingly defends multiple positions. Indiana even used him as a point-of-attack defender against guards at times last season. He isn’t a big name yet, but his numbers compare surprisingly well to guys like PJ Washington and Jonathan Kuminga. For the Lakers, it’s a low-risk gamble because they don’t have to give up assets, and his contract expires after the season. I’d honestly start him for his defensive versatility, while letting Mamu handle most of the minutes workload at the 4. A versatile defensive forward next to Luka is exactly the type of role the Lakers need.

Jarace also reminds me of Rui’s situation—not in play style, but in opportunity. Like Rui when the Lakers traded for him, he’s a young, talented player stuck behind established veterans who were getting paid and ahead of him in the rotation. Sometimes all a player needs is the right opportunity.