Los Angeles Lakers: Identifying Wesley Iwundu as a potential trade target

The Los Angeles Lakers put together a nice offseason adding depth. We take a look at how a small trade of Wesley Iwundu could help this team now and in the future.

Wesley Iwundu is far from a star in the NBA, many people would give a confused look if you brought up his name in a conversation. But Iwundu has quietly built up the potential to be a decent NBA player. One the Los Angeles Lakers could use to help them.

The Orlando Magic aren’t contenders as of now, but they’re a playoff team. They have quite a bit of depth at the guard position which ultimately could push Iwundu out of the rotation.

He has spent the first two years of his career, fighting for a spot on the roster to earn minutes. Each season he has done that and even earned a few spot starts and succeeded in them.

Becoming a three and D player has helped with his growth as his once suspect 3-point shot raised from 19.6% to 36.7% from his rookie year to second season. His defensive rating is above average at 104.9 his rookie year and 103.1 his second season. He has all the tools to continue pushing his ceiling even higher.

So let’s take a look at what Iwundu could provide the Lakers if he was pushed out of Orlando’s guard rotation. The Lakers have used this offseason to build depth and bring guys in that play both ends and Iwundu fits that bill.

Standing at 6’7″, Iwundu possesses an 85-inch wingspan and excels in rotation defense. The Lakers have added many players that can switch on multiple positions and that helps open up your defense.

His 3-point shot continues to get better and he has shown improved confidence in it. If he were playing with LeBron James putting him in spots that he can catch and shoot, he could easily hit the 40% mark.

Shooting guard is a position the Lakers have options, but at the same time they do have guys that are injury prone. Building more depth can never hurt and having different options can only be seen as a positive.

Iwundu, with his potential and drive can force his way into the rotation for minutes. Ultimately, LeBron is going to find who fits his type of style the best and Iwundu has the tools to be that guy next to him and AD.

The Lakers are limited on assets after going and getting Davis, but they could make it work. Orlando could decide they need another veteran and Jared Dudley could fit that bill. They each make around $1.6 million and the Lakers could add some future second round picks with protections.

If that doesn’t work they can bring a third team into the mix and dangle a point guard to a third team. There are plenty of options to go, and if he could help the Lakers, Rob Pelinka should look into it.

With the way Iwundu is playing this season, this is the perfect opportunity to buy low. He has shown the potential he has, and a change of scenery could ignite him. It may not take much at all to get him from Orlando.

Iwundu fits the mold of what the Lakers are looking for, he is someone who can contribute now and in the future. He is relentless in trying to improve his game as seen here in the offseason and there is no one better than LeBron at getting the most out of three and D guys.

He is still young at 24-years-old, and his contract is still under team control. With such a large tax bill coming for the Lakers, this could be a valuable contract for them to get the best value for the buck.

If Iwundu becomes available, picking up the phone to make a call to Orlando would make sense. It’s not a shiny acquisition but it could be one that pays off and helps this team.