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Los Angeles Lakers: Trade targets that would help LA’s weaknesses

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles past Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles past Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. C Kosta Koufos — Sacramento Kings

JaVale McGee has actually been a pretty decent rim protector thus far for the Lakers and has contributed much more offensively than anyone would have expected; then again, the sample size is extremely small and I would not consider him a dynamic center.

He is doing enough thus far to be the team’s starting center, it is what is behind McGee that is not a great outlook for LA.

Ivica Zubac has not been great and has not been great and that is why he has only five minutes played in the first three games. This has forced the Lakers to continually go with the small ball lineup, which hurts LA due to Kyle Kuzma‘s shoddy defending.

Moritz Wagner coming back from injury may help in terms of depth but he was not a great defender in college and will struggle with stronger NBA players.

Thus, the Lakers can go out and make a relatively small deal (we have to start small here) and acquire a center like Kosta Koufos.

Koufos will not light up the stat sheet but can give the team a good rebounding and defensive option off the bench. His 17.2 rebounds per 100 possessions is better than any Lakers player this year and his 108 defensive rating would make him the best defender on the team.

A 108 defensive rating does not make him an exceptional defender but is definitely great considering his role. For Koufos, I would not mind a package of Lance Stephenson, Ivica Zubac and a second-round pick. He is a free agent next offseason.

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