“What’s the point of keeping him around if you’re not gonna do whatever? When you sign up for LeBron, the future is now” - Rob Parker questions why the LA Lakers are not giving up another draft pick

The LA Lakers seem to have moved on from their pursuit of Kyrie Irving. But that does not seem to have affected their intention to trade Russell Westbrook.

According to The Athletic, the Lakers contacted the Indiana Pacers in a bid to sign Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. The franchise offered to let go of a first-rounder alongside Westbrook.

"A potential Lakers trade package sending Russell Westbrook and a first-rounder to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield is currently dead, sources tell Bob Kravitz," The Athletic tweeted. "The Pacers want an additional first-round pick added."

The Pacers, however, have requested an additional first-round pick from the 2027 draft, but the Lakers have refused to part with the pick, which has created a deadlock. Fox Sports Radio host Rob Parker weighed in on the matter.

He stated that the Lakers ought to be doing everything in their power to surround James with the right talent. He is of the opinion that keeping James is tantamount to winning now and not in the future.

"Why aren't the Lakers giving up another first, so what?" Parker said. "You got an ageing LeBron James. Is this not gonna be year 20? I mean what would be the point of having him, keeping him around, if you're not gonna do whatever.

"When you sign up for LeBron, the future is now. You gotta understand that. You can't say, 'Oh! We don't wanna give up what could be like 25th pick couple of years now. Is that what you're protecting?"

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LA Lakers chasing Indiana Pacers' top talents

LA Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham enters with Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka before the introductory press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on June 06, 2022 in El Segundo, California.

The LA Lakers have made a move to acquire two Indiana Pacers players -- center Myles Turner and guard Buddy Hield. Talks are at a stalemate. The Lakers are unwilling to grant the Pacers their request for an additional first-round pick. As such, Russell Westbrook's future remains in the balance.

Hield had a good run in the 2021-22 NBA season, posting better stats than his previous four seasons. He finished the season with averages of 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His ability to shoot from distance made him stand out on the Pacers roster as he led the team in 3-point shooting.

Turner, on the other hand, continued his growth with averages of 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He was very effective on defense as he led the team in blocks per game

Both could be good additions to the Lakers roster because they add depth to the team. Whether the LA Lakers will meet the Pacers' demands for an additional first-round draft pick remains to be seen.