Here is why the Los Angeles Lakers will regret trading Moritz Wagner this past summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have a steal with Moritz Wagner last season. As a rookie he didn’t play much, but when he got some minutes he showed what he was capable of in doses.
An example of this was shown in his first career start which came on March 9 against Boston. In the game he went for 22 points and six rebounds. He shot 7-of-13 from the floor and made a three-pointer.
As a rookie he finished averaging 4.8 points and 2 rebounds in 10 minutes per game.
It’s hard to understand why the Lakers didn’t give him more playing time. At the trade deadline when they gave up Ivica Zubac it appeared he would get more minutes. Instead the minutes went to Mike Muscala, who was acquired for a second-round pick. Muscala struggled with the Lakers as he averaged 5.9 points on 43% shooting with the team.
Like most young players the Lakers have had over the last few years Wagner was dealt. He was involved in a trade package alongside Jemerrio Jones and Isaac Bonga to free up cap space.
At the time the Lakers believed they were still in the running for Kawhi Leonard. That proved to be wrong, and the Lakers gave up on a guy who will be a rotation player for years to come.
Wagner showed toughness and the intangibles that many rookie bigs lack. He isn’t afraid to show emotion and will not be rattled under any circumstance. How can he be? In college he was the best player on a team that unexpectedly went to the National Championship as a Junior.
He is only 22-years-old, he has size, he can shoot, and makes plays off the dribble which is surprising for a player of his size. He is also a terrific free-throw shooter (81%), something the Lakers lack.
So far with the Wizards, the big man had a terrific preseason. Wagner averaged an impressive 15.8 points on 56% shooting and 90% from the free-throw line. He has put up these scoring numbers in only 21 minutes per contest.
Yes, it’s preseason but one thing you can take away from this is that he is trending in the right direction.
There is no question the Wizards plan on giving him a bigger role than he got as a rookie with the Lakers. He may be asked to be their backup big man. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he averages 8-10 points. Wagner is aggressive and with his game improving all he needs is the minutes.
The one thing the Lakers will learn as time goes by is that they should’ve kept Wagner. His skillset is one the Lakers could’ve used alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis.