5 Big-Name Free Agents The Los Angeles Lakers Could Target In 2017
Orlando Magic PF Serge Ibaka
Let’s be honest–the Lakers’ biggest issue right now is the frontcourt. Julius Randle is an above-average starter at power forward, but Timofey Mozgov is no long-term answer at center and the depth is far from impressive.
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If the Lakers are going to be any bit competitive in the near future, they need more talented big men. They haven’t had a truly dominant big man since Pau Gasol, and even he was a tad inconsistent. That’s why targeting a player like Serge Ibaka would be a good idea.
Ibaka is a tough, versatile power forward who has continued to develop his range as his NBA career has progressed. Although his production dipped a bit towards the end of his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, there’s no denying he’s more than capable of upgrading the Los Angeles’ frontcourt.
He’s good enough as a shooter to serve in a stretch-4 role, and obviously dominates on defense with strong rebounding and instinctive blocking. While he may never be the star some thought, Ibaka can be an excellent asset for a Lakers team that needs more talent down low.
It’ll cost Los Angeles a pretty penny to sign Ibaka, but it would be well worth the investment.
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