Lakers Rumors: Three reasons they need to trade for Greg Monroe

2 of 4

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Brook Lopez needs a reliable big behind him to truly contend

If the Lakers plan on being a team that can crash the playoff picture, they realistically won’t go very far if they don’t have the depth to do it. Brook Lopez has been quite a game changer as of late, but the reality is that having a center that can do damage with the kind of reserve unit that the Lakers have would put them on a whole different level.

With a second unit that currently includes Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson, adding Monroe would mean that the Lakers might be able to really make a splash in the playoffs when they come around.

Monroe has career averages of 14 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, and would be a worthy replacement if they were to include Ivica Zubac as part of the trade package. If you throw Zubac and Deng together in a trade offer, chances are that you will have to add one more piece if you are the Lakers.

More from LA Sports Hub

Considering the position that Phoenix is in, that extra piece could definitely come in the form of a future draft pick. If not, the Lakers may either have to give up someone like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in exchange for a small return from the Suns or look to give up one of their valued young guns.

This means that perhaps Thomas Bryant or Josh Hart, in addition to other smaller names, might be on the table in that case. However, the bottom line of this point is that Lopez can be a deadly addition to the starting lineup, and Monroe would help the Lakers reach that next level, while being a rental.

Because if they were going to have the bad money on the books from the Deng contract, they might as well put it to use since Monroe is a free agent at the end of the season anyway.

Just a way to cut your losses while still getting something beneficial out of it while you still can.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers