Lakers Rumors: Possible Trade Packages for Timofey Mozgov

The Lakers may be dealing away their second round draft pick alongside Mozgov, but when looking at the broader scope of things, it is completely worth it. Assuming the Lakers maintain their own first round pick, that would give them two first round picks. That third pick in the draft is essentially pointless at that point, and if they can entice a deal they certainly should pull the trigger.

Now, Robin Lopez is not a star that they are acquiring, and would not make that much more of an impact that Mozgov. Yes, he is a better player and his stat line shows that. Averaging 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, Lopez is apparently better than Mozgov. However, that slight increase in quality is merely a bonus point to the best part of this deal.

First, the Lakers would owe Lopez on average $3 million less a year, which is not a huge impact but is an impact nonetheless. Also, Lopez is a free agent a year sooner than Mozgov, allowing the Lakers to free of cap space sooner. However, perhaps the best part, is the Lakers could flip Lopez much easier than they could for Mozgov.

The thing with Mozgov is that to trade him the Lakers are going to need to take another high contract, they just need to be smart with what they take. With Lopez, the Lakers could easily flip him to a contending team without a viable center, such as the Golden State Warriors, for a minimal price. Regardless what they do with Lopez, this deal seems to be a win-win.