The latest Lakers news is an analysis of what the team has done in free agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers got to work quickly on July 1st by signing the former Cleveland Cavaliers centerTimofey Mozgov.
After re-signingJordan Clarksonthe following day, the Lakers priedLuol Dengaway from the Miami Heat.
Mozgov signed for $64 million over four years and Deng committed to $72 million for the same span.
Even though both signings were criticized due to the money that was thrown the veterans’ way, the Lakers front office actually took steps in the right direction.
Let’s begin with Mozgov.
The Russian formerly played with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015/16 season. In 76 games, Mozgov averaged 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in 17.4 minutes of action.
According to Howard Beck, a senior writer for Bleacher Report, Mozgov’s former coach will miss him:
Lue says Mozgov was "the best verticality guy in the league." Says it will be tough to lose him and Dellavedova.
— @howardbeck.bsky.social (@HowardBeck)July 3, 2016
Versatility is important for a big man of Mozgov’s caliber.
He is not necessarily the quickest or greatest shot blocker, as illustrated by his season average of just 0.8 blocks per game, but having versatility allows one to challenge and change shots.
In extended playing time, Mozgov has been known to work hard on the boards and this trait will certainly help the Lakers, as the team ranked 21st in rebounding in the past season.
The bright side of this deal is that Mozgov is a clear upgrade overRoy HibbertandRobert Sacre.
We will just have to see whether this deal will help the Lakers or doom them after having spent $64 million on another center.
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The other free-agent the Lakers acquired isLuol Deng.
Deng will bring veteran leadership to a young Lakers core that needs guidance, especially after theD’Angelo Russellincident withNick Younglast season.
Over the course of the season with the Miami Heat, Deng posted averages of 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game.
Deng, a small forward, has been a solid defender throughout his career, and with the absence ofKobe Bryant,Brandon Ingramhas in the former Heat, the best mentor he could ask for.
The starting small forward spot is up for grabs, with Ingram and Deng battling for the starting nod on opening night.
The experience would tell us that Deng should be in the opening night’s starting lineup, however Ingram has already shown a lot of upside during their summer league practice which could push head coachLuke Waltonto throw the rookie right into the fire.
Committing Mozgov and Deng to four years is actually a positive for the Lakers, as it will bring stability to the lineup. The major downside to the signings is the fact that it is now occupying a good chunk of the Lakers’ cap space.
On another note, the Lakers did the right thing by re-signingJordan ClarksonandTarik Blackto multi-year deals.
Lakers management is showing faith in its young core, but they are also demonstrating their understanding of having stability by finally handing out multi-year deals to veterans.
Next: Kevin Durant Settled By Choosing Golden State
With the beginning of the season rapidly approaching, the upcoming year will prove to be an exciting one for a young Lakers team — let’s just hope they don’t decide to take a step backward moving forward.
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