Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent rumors emerged that the Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing Bismack Biyombo this summer, but the Toronto Raptors center is said to be keen on staying with his current club.
The 23-year-old Congolese big man had been one of the most surprising revelations in this year's playoffs.
When Raptors starting center Jonas Valanciunas suffered an ankle injury in their second round series with Miami, Biyombo was forced to take his place in the starting unit and the seventh overall pick of the 2011 draft played well above expectations.
Lakers Nation indicated that the 6-foot-9 center averaged 8.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in the last 10 games of Toronto's postseason campaign, including averages of 12.1 boards and 2.4 blocks during the times Valanciunas was sidelined.
While his hustle, defense, and overall inside presence is surely impressive, Biyombo's offense is still a work in progress, which is may still be intriguing for a lot of teams. The Lakers are said to be one of those teams that are ready to pay more than $15 million a year to land the Lubumbashi, Congo native this summer.
The report also mentioned that the defensive-minded big man could be an ideal complement for another young talent, Julius Randle, in the Hollywood squad's front court as it is expected that the team will not retain impending free agent Roy Hibbert next season.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Sun reported that Biyombo is keen on staying with the Raptors even if there are many upcoming offers for him in free-agency and despite him playing backup to Valanciunas in the team's big men pecking order.
Speculations abound that aside from the Lakers, the Boston Celtics are also interested in the services of the former Charlotte Hornets player.
"I love it up here, I think I've said it before. I would love to be back here," said Biyombo with regards to playing in Toronto.
"The one thing I believe is, in the office there are the right people and I have the right people in Masai and Dwane, so I'm not too concerned about that. I'm sure ... I've heard Masai say he'd do whatever it takes a couple of times. At this point I'm just thankful that the organization gave me the opportunity to come here and enjoy a different experience since I've been in the league," he added.
