Lakers: 5 Reasons Why Timofey Mozgov Could Be A Good Fit For LA

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) dribbles against Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) dribbles against Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center
Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center

Here’s five quick reasons why Timofey Mozgov to the Lakers may not be as bad as you think

Nobody expected the first move of free agency to be the signing of former Cleveland Cavaliers big man, Timofey Mozgov. Even fewer expected that of all of the teams possibly interested in the Russian center’s services, the Los Angeles Lakers would top the list.

More over, nobody expected that Mitch Kupchak and company would sign Mozgov to a four year contract worth an annual $16 million dollar salary.

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To preface this article, it must be noted that the price it took to acquire Mozgov is nothing short of shocking. Offering a guy who played 76 total minutes in the postseason a $64 million contract is definitely a head-scratching move.

But it also must be acknowledged that the deal is not as ludicrous as it may initially cause one to think. When considering that this summer’s free agency period has seen no precedent as it pertains to the increase in the salary cap, deals like Mozgov’s will only become more common going forward.

Indeed, Evan Turner, who most recently averaged 10.5 points, 4.4 points, and 4.9 rebounds, agreed to a contract with the Portland Trailblazers worth upwards of $70 million. Similarly, Chandler Parsons, who averaged a modest 13.7 pointrs to go along with 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists, garnered a $94 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

All things considered, Mozgov’s contract isn’t too out of the ordinary.

In fact, his services will be of great use in several areas for the Lakers. Though he has never been one to put up gaudy numbers, his value will certainly be appreciated on a young, up-and-coming Lakers squad.

Here’s how.

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