Al Horford and Nikola Vucevic (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The LA Lakers are still capable of a trade before the offseason ends and they could seek more frontline offense.
While the center position is technically covered with Timofey Mozgoc, Ivica Zubac and Tarik Black, there isn't a lot of offense to be covered by that triumvirate. Lakers coach Luke Walton was very specific on why he hired Mozgov as he shared with Lakers Nation.
"To me, the best way to run is to get stops on defense. And the best way to get stops on defense is to have a big that can anchor that defense down and change shots and block shots, and now we're out and running," Walton explained. "He (Mozgov) also allows us to be able to run half court sets through the post and things of that nature. I was huge on pushing to try to get Mozgov and I'm thrilled that we were able to get that done."
The Russian center is not a back to the basket wizard and his role on the halfcourt set is likely to set screens for Jordan Clarkson or Brandon Ingram. That is a role he does well.
While Walton is known as the interim coach who steered Golden State to a 39-4 record when coach Steve Kerr was out, he can't apply the Warriors' philosophy to the Lakers' roster. They don't have the personnel to throw a "death lineup" nor do they have shooters as good as the Splash Brothers.
When the defense locks down the young guns, a post scorer like Vucevic can come in handy, not to mention he might have a lower price tag as the Orlando Magic now has a logjam at the frontcourt as Bleacher Report noted.
The Magic reportedly want to showcase Aaron Gordon as their power forward of the future but having Vucevic, Ibaka and Biyombo may push one of them in that position. Gordon will be pushed to small forward where he is not quick enough nor has the shooting to excel (under 30 percent from 3 point land).
Adding another shooter like Lou Williams could be beneficial for the Magic but the Lakers may need to add more pieces. However, they would definitely not trade anyone from their young core. They may have to be creative if they really feel like Vucevic could help them.
