The Lakers first call in 2016 NBA free agency was reportedly to center Timofey Mozgov
The most obvious hole in the Los Angeles Lakers roster as they head into 2016 NBA free agency is at the center position. While they would certainly like to pursue the big names on the market at the position on Hassan Whiteside, Andre Drummond, and Al Horford, everything has indicated that’s not a possibility. As such, the Lakers were forced to look down the list of free agents a bit to make their first call.
And that’s exactly what they did as free agency kicked off at midnight ET on July 1.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Lakers’ first call at 12:01 a.m. ET was to free agent center Timofey Mozgov:
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak reached out on Mozgov at 12:01 AM, league sources tell @TheVertical. Centers could move on the market quickly.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2016
Moreover, it was reported soon after by The Vertical that the Lakers are discussing a four-year deal worth $65 million with Mozgov and the deal could be locked up sooner rather than later:
Lakers in serious talks on the framework of a four-year, $65M deal with Timofey Mozgov, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2016
Yes, that’s a lot of money. But also remember that the cap jump and the market for centers is going to make those numbers become inflated—though it’s still a bit high.
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Mozgov is an interesting player in regards to how he could potentially fit with the Lakers, hough he may not be the same caliber as players like Whiteside or Horford.
Last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mozgov’s role all but completely dissipated as they got deeper into the year and into the postseason. However, that was more or less because of the way that the Cavs were playing in trying to stretch the floor and fire away from long range and less of an indictment on the talent of Mozgov.
It’s definitely unfortunate that Mozgov’s name is most closely associated with being destroyed by a Blake Griffin dunk, but that shouldn’t hinder what Lakers fans think of the big man. He’s a good hand to have on deck and could be a good rotation player in the frontcourt at a position of need.
Perhaps most importantly, though, that Mozgov was the Lakers first call in free agency should be taken as a positive sign. In recent years, the Lakers have gone star-hunting right away and have ultimately come out with nothing. This indicates a smarter, more reserved approach this offseason. Whether that holds true remains to be seen, but it’s not as bad of a start as some may think.