Is Greg Monroe The Lakers Next Big Man?

What he would bring to the team

Mar 24, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) blocks the shot of Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors (15) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Pistons won 114-94. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Staying healthy is just one of the many pros that Greg Monroe brings to the table. His production on the court is valuable for any team, especially a Lakers team that will need front court help in the coming years. He’s not an undersized big who will just get garbage points. He’s a legitimate threat in the post on both ends of the floor.

At 6’11″, 253 pounds, he’s a true center who can guard the likes of Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan and Roy Hibbert on a nightly basis. Sure his defense isn’t up to par, but that can be developed over time. He’s not very athletic, but he would give the Lakers that rim protector they haven’t had in years. He’s more of a traditional center who can post up or drive to the basket for quick layups and dunks.

According to NBA.com, Monroe had 83 steals, the second most by a center in the NBA behind DeMarcus Cousins‘ 109. That shows Monroe is playing some kind of defense, especially when it comes to pick-and-roll, an area where the Lakers have had issues.

For his career, he’s averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, with a 6.0-point scoring increase since his rookie campaign in 2010-2011. Playing with the Lakers could really bring up his production, especially running pick-and-rolls.

Despite having never played a playoff game, Monroe would bring stability to a position in which the Lakers are known for. Not to mention, Kobe Bryant would be more than willing to give him advice on how to succeed as a Laker.