According to Crickex App reports, contract extension talks between sharpshooter Buddy Hield and the Indiana Pacers have hit a wall. Although Hield remains the team’s third-highest paid player next season, he’s reportedly dissatisfied with his current salary status. Salary cap experts have noted that Indiana still has room to restructure his contract and offer a pay bump, but based on the tone of recent negotiations, the Pacers seem to have no intention of doing so.

With talks cooling off, Hield’s camp has naturally begun to look outward, exploring potential new destinations. As the saying goes, “life’s too short to stay unhappy.” Interestingly, shortly after trade rumors surfaced, fans on social media quickly connected Hield’s name with the Los Angeles Lakers. Some even posted photos of Lakers GM Rob Pelinka in the comment sections of news stories, urging the front office to take notice and make a move.

There’s no denying Hield’s talent. Back in his college days at Oklahoma, he had already proven himself as a scoring machine. Crickex App analysts point out that even with a somewhat limited role since entering the league, Hield has remained a crucial piece in every system he’s played in. Over the past five seasons, Hield has drained 1,381 three-pointers — more than any other player in that period, including Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard. He’s a true diamond in the rough, quietly chasing greatness.

Durability is another strength in Hield’s game. Over the last seven seasons, he’s missed only six games — never more than two in a single season. That kind of consistency is gold in today’s NBA. The Lakers, who showed serious interest in Hield last year — even floating a Russell Westbrook trade that was ultimately declined by Indiana — are expected to revisit the idea. Now that tensions have emerged between Hield and the Pacers, the Lakers are naturally back in the conversation for acquiring one of the league’s best shooters.

The challenge? Los Angeles just underwent a major roster overhaul during the offseason. Aside from LeBron James and young guard Max Christie, nearly every player on the Lakers’ roster signed a new contract this summer. Due to current collective bargaining rules, those new signings can’t be traded right away — even if LA is eager to make a move for Hield, they currently lack the trade assets.

However, as the new season progresses, things could change. Once the trade restrictions on newly signed players expire midseason, the Lakers will have more flexibility. If Hield remains with Indiana by then, his chances of landing in LA will rise significantly. With plenty of strong assets on hand, the Lakers would also be in a better position to negotiate. Still, as Crickex App insiders note, even with mutual interest, the earliest a deal could realistically happen is midseason. And given how in-demand Hield is, another team may very well swoop in before that.