Timofey Mozgov and LeBron James (Photo : Ezra Shaw | Getty Images Sport)
The LA Lakers fans have been active in NBA forums to proclaim their optimism in the 2016 offseason. However, that has been dashed the very first moment free agency opened.
One of the very first transactions to fall as the entire basketball world was waiting was greeted with shock and disappointment. The Lakers have agreed to sign Russian center Timofey Mozgov to a 4-year, $64 million deal.
After the Lakers fans were arguing on whether Hassan Whiteside or DeMar DeRozan was worth pursuing, their team took Mozgov who was not even rumored to be on the team's radar. This is probably why ESPN had named Mozgov as the third worst newcomer for next season.
Mozgov was right behind two celebrated (and controversial) transfers: Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks (via trade) and Rajon Rondo to the Chicago Bulls (via free agency). After Mozgov, Evan Turner of the Portland Trail Blazers and Harrison Barnes of the Dallas Mavericks were tied for fourth place
There were so many reasons to be perplexed with this acquisition, not just the amount but also the duration of the contract and the fact that the front office did not bother to put team options-meaning they will really commit their cap space to four years of Mozgov.
Why did the Lakers choose Mozgov? For one thing, they didn't really have much choice. Kevin Durant was indeed an epic pipe dream but the so-called "realistic" targets (Whiteside and DeRozan) would not even give them the time of day, let alone a meeting.
But if the Lakers fans (and ESPN critics) think that the Mozgov signing was a blunder, it should be considered that coach Luke Walton, him of the famed 39-3 record with the Warriors, has thought this out considerably, as Lakers Nation chronicled. For all those still asking "Why?" this is your answer.
"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 shared on LA Today.
Walton expects Mozgov to provide rim protection-which is not necessarily shot blocks, and also grab the possession.
"He 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."
There you have it. The promising coach has taken responsibility for the much maligned signing. He will be considered a genius if Mozgov proves the critics wrong and a failure if the Russian is a dud.
