Los Angeles Lakers should consider signing Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

Houston’s rise as a legitimate threat to Golden State has risen what could be a purchase low applicant to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer in Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to need to find cheaper options in free agency if they go fishing for max free agents as they are rumored to be. One player, they should consider if Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

Last offseason, Mbah a Moute struggled to find a home. After a spending spree in 2016 in where multiple teams squandered their money on low-tier players such as Bismack Biyombo, Evan Turner, and Chandler Parsons, teams were too hard-capped to offer Mbah a Moute a sizeable contract.

Former Lakers‘ general manager Mitch Kupchak even signed two himself in Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov. One already took a potential All-Star in D’Angelo Russell to trade. However, it is time to right the wrong with a nice one-year rental.

Ever since he entered the league, Mbah a Moute wandered as a nomad. After five underwhelming seasons in Milwaukee, he played on the Kings, Timberwolves, 76ers, and Clippers before landing in Houston.

Mbah a Moute is on the league’s best team with its leader the sole and primary candidate to win this year’s Most Valuable Player award. Although Mbah a Moute’s box numbers might not show his value, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni have unearthed his true potential via analytics.

More from Lake Show Life

Last offseason, everyone praised Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti for his ground-shaking moves to acquire Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Sure, Morey might have traded for CP3, but at what cost?

Houston gave up seven players, a first-round pick, and cash considerations. The deal included First Team All-Defensive guard Patrick Beverley and former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams. Morey failed both the PG13/Melo sweepstakes. All he did was sign wings P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute (to a minimum). So why should Lakers management consider Luc Mbah a Moute?

We will begin with the basics. Much of the Lakers roster will be turned over due to their large cap space. I anticipate that the Lakers will waive and stretch Luol Deng’s contract. Trading him would come at the cost of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, or Kyle Kuzma, but the cap space changes that.

Bobby Marks estimated that Magic Johnson would have more than $47 million at a minimum to spend if they take off every cap hold. Julius Randle should sign for between $16-23 million a year for fits. Mbah a Moute can be a fill-in $4-7 million on a one-year contract.

Mbah a Moute also fills in a need if the Lakers do not bring back former All-Star center Brook Lopez. He fits in perfectly as the four or small-ball five. He primes himself on switching matchups much better than Brook, too.

Now, we use Morey’s analysis, his TI-84 calculator he brings to work, (and Cleaning the Glass) to strengthen Luc’s foothold. Mbah a Moute truly shines on defense. This team is so much different from Mike D’Antoni teams since it is currently a top-ten defense and can slow down the pace if need be in the playoffs.

This season, opponents outscore Houston 111.7 points per 100 possessions when Luc is off the court. (Comparable to the Sacramento Kings’ defense.) On the contrary, Houston allows 100.8 points per 100 possessions when Luc is on the court. (Comparable to the Boston Celtics’ defense.)

If you stretch that out to the rest of the year, Mbah a Moute would be leading the best defense in the NBA. Cleaning the Glass places Mbah a Moute in the 90th percentiles in defensive on/off court efficiency. Luc is in the midst of his third straight season of such analytical firepower.

It is clear that Luc could be a very complementary piece to any team. Los Angeles could slide him to pair along Randle (since he also hits the three-pointer well) as a stretch four. His defensive strengths could allow him to teach Kuzma and Ingram on the other side of the court.

The Rockets might elect to keep him, but they are in a hard-pressed situation with Clint Capela becoming a free agent and LeBron James possibly entering the fray to their championship contender.

Next: 10 Greatest Free Agent Signings In Lakers History

There are not many players like Luc Mbah a Moute. This summer could be the one to get him paid. I do, however, think Los Angeles should and could place him an offer that makes him sign on to a player development program already among the best in basketball.

Home/Lakers News