The Los Angeles Lakers are in rebuild mode after the Kobe Bryant era and must look to acquire talent to stay somewhat competitive for the organization and fans. With teams able come to a verbal agreement on Free Agents July 1st the Lakers have agreed to a 4yr/$64M deal with Cleveland Cavaliers Center Timofey Mozgov.
While many figured the Lakers would be big players in the market and go after a few of the bigger name big men in the league like Hassan Whiteside or AL Horford this deal seems like an act of desperation, even for the first day.
Mozgov performed well for the Cavs two seasons ago but lost minutes with Tristan Thompson playing so well, coupled with the max deal signing of Kevin Love. Mozgov will bring a defensive presence to the paint for the Lakers they were hoping to receive last season when they signed ex-Pacer, Roy Hibbert.
If Mozgov ends up being their top new FA signing the Lakers are in a world of trouble. The Lakers have drafted well over the years with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram, but Free Agency has been their shortcoming. The future looks bright but this signing is proof that the Lakers have lost a bit of their mojo.