The Los Angeles Lakers will be one of the most-watched teams again in the NBA next season after making a huge offseason move. The Lakers signed LeBron James in free agency, and they are expected to look for more deals to improve their title chances in the 2018-19 NBA season.
The arrival of James made the Lakers a playoff team, but it remains to be seen how they will fare against the top teams in the Western Conference. The Lakers have several months to make moves to improve their roster to at least have a chance of becoming a serious threat to the Golden State Warriors in the West.
Nikola Vucevic linked to Los Angeles Lakers
According to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, the Orlando Magic might strongly consider trading Nikola Vucevic. The 27-year-old center will become a dispensable asset after the Magic selected rookie big man Mo Bamba in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of a legitimate threat inside the paint. There were talks about James playing at center for the Lakers, but adding a legit big man would make them a more balanced team. It would also help them create mismatches for James, who is still the most dominant player in the league.
Nikola Vucevic could make an impact for Los Angeles Lakers
According to Metro US, Vucevic will be an upgrade to the current frontcourt of the Lakers.
Los Angeles signed JaVale McGee, but the veteran center is not known for a well-rounded inside game. Rookie big man Moritz Wagner is not expected to make an immediate impact, making a player of Vucevic's caliber as a logical target for them.
Vucevic could solve their frontcourt woes, as the 27-year-old center has an established low-post game.
The Lakers offense is now expected to revolve on James, and having an additional weapon around him on offense would bring a new dimension to their offensive attack.
Vucevic averaged 16.5 points on top of 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season, ESPN noted. On the defensive end of the floor, the seven-year veteran could also contribute as he posted 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals in 57 games.
It is also worth noting that he could stretch the floor regularly, as proven by his 1.1 three-pointers per game last season.
And if the gamble will pay off, the Lakers could just move on next summer, as Vucevic's contract is set to expire after the 2018-19 NBA season. The Lakers are expected to make another big splash in next year's free-agency after successfully reaching a buyout agreement with Luol Deng.
