The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a successful championship run led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Using NBA free agency, they will look to bolster their supporting cast. Could Serge Ibaka be an option?
An NBA general manager told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney that Ibaka is ‘exactly the kind of combo big guy’ the Lakers need.
“From a personnel standpoint, he is exactly the kind of combo big guy that team (the Lakers) needs,” one NBA general manager told Heavy.com. “They have had interest in him before and they will again. When he is healthy he is an excellent spot starter at the 5 (center) and the 4 (power forward). He is as good a bench big guy as there is in the league. He was a really credible 3-point threat last year. If he is willing to accept what the Lakers can afford to give him, I know they would want him.”
The potential fit for Ibaka and the Lakers would be quite clear. He can stretch the floor offensively with his extended jump shooting range while providing versatility and shot blocking on defense. That’s an intriguing fit next to Anthony Davis.
The Lakers would have the option of moving Ibaka to the five spot when LeBron James is the lone star for the Lakers on the court. Having a big man that can knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, finish near the basket, and protect the rim on the floor at all times would help substantially.
The Los Angeles Lakers will not have a ton of salary cap room to work with but will have to evaluate what they want to do in the frontcourt. This NBA offseason, they will have the MLE to work with all while having Dwight Howard enter free agency.
The option of pursuing Serge Ibaka in free agency will a possibility that will intrigue many NBA teams. His skill-set is a favorable complement alongside star players and is especially helpful in an era where jump shooting at all positions is helpful.
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