Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Los Angeles Lakers
If the Lakers feel confident in Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma being able to step up and hold things down until Anthony Davis returns, then there’s no reason for the Lakers to trade for another frontcourt player, but Gasol has been disappointing this year. The 36-year old center is averaging just 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game this season in about 20 minutes per game.
He does not really do anything productive for this team, which is why trading for Moritz Wagner could make a lot of sense. Wagner has shown the ability to step out on the perimeter and knock down shots, but what makes him a valuable role player is his aggressiveness on both ends of the court.
Wagner is never afraid to play physical and is very aggressive in his pursuit of rebounds. He always crashes the offensive and defensive glass, which is exactly the kind of player the Lakers need with AD being out.
Even when Davis is healthy, Mo Wagner could still be an excellent “plug-and-play” guy in the frontcourt for the Lakers to aid them in their perimeter attack. Whether it is stepping out on the perimeter and knocking down a shot in pick-and-roll situations or being a big body in the paint to rebound, Wagner can help the Lakers in numerous ways and is probably the best value, low cost player they could trade for before the NBA trade deadline.
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Trading Alfonzo McKinnie does not hurt this team at all, the only question is whether or not they are willing to give up a future first-round pick to add Wagner back to their roster. He is a young talent that is still growing and could end up being worthwhile down the road.
If Los Angeles truly believes they need another frontcourt option, then Moritz Wagner could be a very solid option for them to trade for, the only question is whether or not they are willing to give up what could be a valuable future first-round pick. The Lakers’ need for frontcourt depth will be something to monitor in upcoming NBA trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
