The Los Angeles Lakers could still consider exploring the trade market for added veteran presence, particularly at the center position.
The Lakers have been adamant about bringing back a win-now mentality after two straight dismals seasons, but their summer acquisitions suggest they may still dwell in the bottom half of the power rankings.
If the Lakers really intend to at least contend in the playoffs next season, they should consider bringing in another proven veteran, particularly at the five spot. The Lakers were able to add Timofey Mozgov, whom they signed to a four-year $64 million deal, but the Russian center, who will turn 30 this month, is unlikely to boost LA into legit contenders.
One possible deal the Lakers may explore is trading for Greg Monroe, who has been linked to trade talks after struggling to fit in the Bucks' system.
"It is often bad form to trade someone who signed so recently, but the Bucks may be able to thread that needle by finding a team excited to start Monroe," Danny Leroux of Sporting News noted.
Monroe was supposed to be the Bucks' best player heading into the 2015-2016 season, but his traditional big type of skills do not suit well to his frontcourt mates Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker.
But despite becoming a straw man in his first season with the Bucks, Monroe would still be a huge addition to any teams looking to bolster their frontcourt, especially for a team like the Lakers, who missed out on quality big men in the market.
With the Lakers rumored to be trading Nick Young, a potential package that also includes Lou Williams would make a perfect deal for both teams.
Despite a poor stint with the Lakers last season, averaging a career-low 7.3 points on 33.9 percent shooting from the field, Young would answer the Bucks' need of an outside shooter as well as a scorer off the bench. Ditto to Williams, a former Sixth Man of the Year winner who has been the one of the Lakers' consistent scorers, averaging 15.3 points per game, while shooting 40.8 percent from the field.
On the other hand, Monroe could assume the role as the Lakers' starting center and would complement well in LA's young squad. Monroe, who averaged 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Bucks last season, is a defensive liability, but Mozgov and Tarik Black could cover up for his lack of defense.
The Bucks would surely entertain adding shooters in their lineup, especially after they lost Jerryd Bayless and Greivis Vasquez to free agency. But it remains to be seen whether they are finally willing to give up Monroe for a pair of capable scorers. Nevertheless, it is something both teams could consider if such deal materializes.