The Lakers don t have enough ceiling space to sign the big guy they want most among free agents

According to F/W contributor Sidante Gupta. The Lakers may have grand plans to sign a reliable center in the offseason. Unfortunately, one of their main signing targets may be out of reach due to cap space issues. The Lakers will be one of the most noteworthy teams in the offseason, mainly because they have clear goals in line-up building. While many players are associated with the Purple and Gold Corps, several big players have names that stand out, especially Pacers center Turner.

Unfortunately, the Lakers will not have the necessary ceiling space to sign Turner as a free agent, as ESPN's Bobby Max said. Pacers center will enter free agent market at the end of the season. After a two-year, $40.9 million contract, Turner will seek to sign a bigger contract, especially after the season he spent. The 29-year-old averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in the Pacers’ regular season. As a mobile big man, Turner also has incredible frame protection instinct and a very reliable off-curve shot.

As a big man who can both open up space and act as a franchise guard, Turner seems to be the ideal player for the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Lakers’ salary space has exceeded the ceiling, with little room before they hit the first luxury tax threshold. Given this, the Lakers may not be able to acquire Turner as a free agent. However, they can still pursue the big guy through trades, although this brings a more challenging route. The Lakers need to develop a huge trading plan to convince the Pacers to consider making a trade for their center. Los Angeles does have some assets that can be part of this deal. Max simulated a trade plan to help the Lakers introduce Turner:

The specific plan is:

Lakers get: Turner

Pacers get: Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura Hachimura A similar trade will see Hachimura be replaced by electric fans and add another draft pick exchange to increase the bet. The Pacers have to deal with the ceiling issue of entering the offseason. There is currently $6.9 million left before the first luxury. Since Turner didn't even consider their current contract, it will be difficult for the team to figure out how to get their center back next season. The Pacers are more likely to cut their salary to create space to sign Turner. The big guy is crucial to their entry into the playoffs. In the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pacers’ big men averaged 18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. With a 2-0 lead in the series, Indiana will likely spend the playoffs before deciding what they stand for Turner.

Meanwhile, the Lakers may turn their attention to more realistic goals during the offseason. Given this situation, players like Clarkston are the right candidates, and the Purple and Gold Army may choose to make some deals to acquire the Nets' center. Do you think the Lakers want to introduce center players in the offseason besides Turner and Clarkston, which other ones are in line with the Lakers lineup?