Lakers Rumors: Mike Muscala acquired from Los Angeles Clippers
By Nick Ziegler
Recent Lakers rumors are that the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired Mike Muscala from the Los Angeles Clippers.
After about a week of rumors surrounding Anthony Davis, it became clear that the New Orleans Pelicans weren’t going to be sending him to the Los Angeles Lakers before the NBA Trade Deadline. Despite good offers, the Pelicans seem content waiting until the summer to move their star player.
Shortly after a blowout loss to the Indian Pacers, the Lakers made a deal with the Detroit Pistons to acquire Reggie Bullock. Adding Bullock gives the Lakers a much-needed threat from beyond the arc, as he is a very good three-point shooter. However, the Lakers weren’t done.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers have dealt Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac to the Los Angeles Clippers for Mike Muscala.
The deal opens a roster spot and gives the Lakers a chance to sign a player in the buyout market. Muscala gives Lakers some shooting too. https://t.co/2g6wyghvig
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
Muscala was just traded to the Clippers in the deal that sent Tobias Harris to the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, he will be heading to the Lakers. This season, Muscala is averaging 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game.
At 6’11, Muscala will give the Lakers a big man that is able to space the floor rather well. This season, Muscala is shooting just under 35 percent from three-point range, and he is taking 4.2 three-pointers per game.
While Muscala will likely have a role in the rotation, the notable thing about this trade is that it frees up a roster spot. There are going to be a lot of talented buyout candidates this season, and clearing a roster spot means that the Lakers will likely be pursuing these types of players.
Giving up Zubac is certainly a noticeable loss for the Lakers, as he was showing some promise this season. However, as a restricted free agent this summer, the odds of the Lakers keeping him were slim.
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With the additions of Muscala and Bullock, the Lakers are clearly looking to improve their spacing and shooting ability. As we push toward the postseason, the Lakers should improve as a team shooting the ball with these two additions.