NBA Trades: 3 Lakers trade targets after Anthony Davis’ injury
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trades: Los Angeles Lakers trade targets – Robin Lopez
The Lakers’ defense will struggle without Davis available. When healthy, there is no question that he is among the best defenders in the entire association. While someone like Robin Lopez is not a top-tier defender like Davis by any stretch of the imagination, he could be a solid trade target to provide some protection close to the hoop.
Standing at seven-foot, 281 lbs, Lopez is among the biggest players in the NBA. The big man has never been known as an outstanding rim protector, but he has been solid in that regard, averaging 1.1 blocks per game for his career.
Lopez is no slouch offensively either as he is averaging 8.5 points in 2021-22, doing most of his damage right around the rim. He might not be the gaudiest target for the purple and gold, but he could be a serviceable rotational piece while Davis is sidelined over the next few weeks.
He is an immediate upgrade over DeAndre Jordan and would provide some depth with Dwight Howard currently in the health and safety protocols.
Financially, Lopez is on an expiring, $5 million contract this season, a fair amount for a player of his stature. The Lakers could piece together a package to absorb Lopez and that contract fairly easily if they desired.
It would not be too far-fetched to believe the Orlando Magic would be willing to trade away Lopez, either, considering they have a pair of fantastic young centers in Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. leading the way.
The Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to give the Magic a call in an attempt to strike up a deal for the 33-year-old center.