The 16-time champion Los Angeles Lakers did not waste any time entering the 2016 NBA free agency. Hours after the official opening of free agency, Lakers immediately made a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers center and NBA champion Timofey Mozgov. The deal was considered as one of the worst contract in this year's free agency. Though it was highly criticized, the Lakers are still hopeful with their new acquisition. Unfortunately, it seems like the Lakers' fate is once again put to test after Mozgov injured his groin during his game in Rio Olympics.
According to Sportsrageous, Mozgov might be unable to play for the upcoming season opener with his injury. He will undergo MRI and will be re-evaluated sometime this week. With Mozgov's condition being questionable, the Lakers are now reportedly engaged to trade talks with the 76ers. According to some reports, the Sixers are actively shopping some of their bigmen in exchange for a valuable piece that could balance their roster. The Lakers, on the other hand, despite of having Tarik Black and rookie Ivica Zubac on the team, could at least find another big to give them solid rim protection.
Based on the reports from Yibada, the potential trade of the Lakers and Sixers would not probably involve any of the Lakers' young core. But involving at least one of these Lakers young and talented players would surely excite the Sixers. The Lakers could still make a much safer offer outside their young core. This offer would involve a package of Nick Young and Anthony Brown in exchange for Sixers Jahlil Okafor. The 20 year old bigman is having a great rookie season and will be an excellent addition to the young and talented line up of LA. On the other hand, Young and Brown will be a great addition to the team as they are looking for a couple of shooters around Ben Simmons.
Apparently, both teams were not on a rush in trading their pieces as the season opener nears. The Lakers could gamble on starting Zubac who has shown a promising potential while the Sixers could explore the best offer possible for their young bigman. However, the deal could still be a possibility if the Lakers will engage with a much better package around Young.
