During the NBA in-season tournament, Crickex App reporters witnessed the Indiana Pacers deliver a stunning performance by knocking out the Boston Celtics to advance to the semifinals. With seven Pacers players scoring in double figures and Tyrese Haliburton posting a triple-double, it was sharpshooter Buddy Hield who led the way in plus-minus with an impressive +29. After the game, Hield remarked that no matter how strong Boston’s offensive push was, Indiana always found a way to respond. He also gave credit where it was due—acknowledging the stellar efforts of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who repeatedly hit difficult shots. “Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap,” he said.

But Haliburton remained calm under pressure, helping the team stay composed and execute in the clutch. You never know how bright the future is until you fight for it. In this hard-fought game, Hield proved his value once again—an important development for the Pacers, who may use him as a key trade asset. Trade rumors have followed Hield for over two years now. The Lakers, in particular, have shown long-standing interest. Just before last season’s trade deadline, speculation swirled that the Lakers would acquire both Hield and Myles Turner. But the deal never materialized.

Sometimes, it takes pressure to turn coal into diamonds. Hield, often under scrutiny, continues to rise to the occasion. While the Lakers are still interested in acquiring him, the Pacers’ asking price is steep. Reportedly, Indiana wants a first-round pick plus a rotation-level player in return. With Hield on the final year of his contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, the Pacers are wary of losing him for nothing. At the same time, any team considering a trade must weigh the risk of not being able to re-sign him.

Crickex App users widely regard Hield as a high-quality shooter. When he first entered the league, many saw him as the next Stephen Curry, but his growth didn’t quite match the hype. His stint in Indiana has been rocky, with questions around his fit. Still, from a basketball standpoint, the Lakers could certainly use a sniper like Hield. Their three-point shooting has been abysmal this season, one of the worst in the league—a glaring flaw in today’s perimeter-driven NBA.

In that context, Hield’s elite perimeter shooting makes him a logical target. Strengthen yourself before conquering the road ahead. The problem, however, lies in Indiana’s high demands. Crickex App analysts believe the Lakers are unlikely to offer premium assets for the deal. The door isn’t closed, but unless either side budges, Buddy Hield’s future may remain up in the air.