Los Angeles Lakers: Mid-tier free agents team could target in 2018

Greg Monroe, C — Boston Celtics (Unrestricted)

Honestly, I’m a bit baffled at the way the NBA has treated Greg Monroe in recent years. Despite being a quality center, the Milwaukee Bucks underutilized and underappreciated him before dealing him to the Phoenix Suns, who wanted nothing to do with him either.

Then, he landed with the Boston Celtics, who weren’t too keen about getting him on the floor either. While that may have been the case, he consistently put together terrific performances, including a triple-double for the Celtics as recently as early-April. So why no love for the big man?

You can probably blame it on the modern NBA’s disinterest in the classic center. Monroe has no outside game, so he can’t space the floor. He’s a good athlete, but doesn’t boast the lateral quickness to switch out on wings and athletic 4s. Maybe his more traditional approach to the position just doesn’t bode well for his value.

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Even if that is the case, I think the Lakers could benefit from having him on the roster. We saw what he could do when given the opportunity in Boston. We’ve seen plenty of big performances from the former No. 7 overall pick throughout his eight seasons in the league. He’d be well worth the investment, especially if he costs less than the $5 million he made from the Celtics.

The Lakers need more proven talent at the center position. Even if they do manage to land a high-upside prospect like Mitchell Robinson during the 2018 NBA Draft, adding a veteran who can start until the rookie is ready seems like the way to go.

Monroe fits the bill as an experienced option who won’t break the bank and offers unquestionable value as a starting-caliber center who doesn’t get the credit he deserves.