DEAL ACCEPTED: Indiana Pacers Acquires power forward star from Los Angeles Lakers in blockbuster trade worth $119 Million as their new…. See more

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Indiana Pacers have finalized a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, acquiring a superstar power forward in a deal reportedly worth $119 million. The deal marks a major shift in the Pacers’ long-term plans and is already being hailed as one of the biggest trades of the offseason.

The Deal

• To Indiana Pacers:
  • Star Power Forward (name pending official team announcement)
  • Future 2nd-round pick
  • $119 million guaranteed contract over 4 years
• To Los Angeles Lakers:
  • Multiple first-round picks
  • Forward Obi Toppin
  • Guard Bennedict Mathurin
  • Future pick swaps

Trade Motivation

The Pacers, led by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, have made it clear this summer that they are done rebuilding. After falling short in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, team executives vowed to add size, playoff experience, and interior scoring—and they have now done just that.

Sources say the newly acquired forward will become the focal point of Indiana’s frontcourt, providing both offensive firepower and elite rebounding to complement Haliburton’s playmaking and the emerging talent of Jarace Walker.

Kevin Pritchard, Pacers GM:
“This deal gives us the power, presence, and leadership we’ve been missing in the frontcourt. We’re building something serious in Indiana, and this move makes us a championship-caliber team.”

Who Is the Star?

While the team has yet to publicly confirm, league insiders strongly speculate that the player is Rui Hachimura, the rising Lakers forward known for his elite mid-range game and post scoring. Hachimura, 27, averaged 17.5 points and 6.8 rebounds this past season, and his athleticism and physicality fit exactly what Indiana has been missing at the four.

NBA Analyst Kendrick Perkins:
“If this is Rui, it’s a home run for Indiana. He’s entering his prime, and Haliburton will make him even better.”

New-Look Pacers Starting Five (Projected)

• PG: Tyrese Haliburton
• SG: Andrew Nembhard
• SF: Jarace Walker
• PF: Rui Hachimura (projected)
• C: Myles Turner

This lineup is young, athletic, and balanced—and with the addition of a reliable scoring threat at the power forward spot, Indiana looks ready to make a deep playoff run.

Lakers’ Response

For the Lakers, this deal signals the beginning of a new era focused on youth, flexibility, and future draft assets. With LeBron James nearing retirement and Anthony Davis’s health concerns growing, Los Angeles appears to be building for the post-LeBron future.

Rob Pelinka, Lakers GM:
“We believe in long-term sustainability. This trade positions us to be competitive in the future while creating flexibility for additional moves.”

Final Thoughts

This deal marks a bold shift in the Eastern Conference power balance. The Pacers are no longer sneaking up on contenders—they’re declaring war on them. With Haliburton running the offense and a proven power forward anchoring the paint, Indiana is making its case as a serious title threat for the 2025–26 NBA season.