After making several trades last week, the Los Angeles Lakers possess a roster that seems deeper and more balanced than it has in at least two years.
They jettisoned Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley, Thomas Bryant, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones while bringing in point guard D’Angelo Russell, big man Jarred Vanderbilt, center Mo Bamba and shooting guard Malik Beasley.
Los Angeles appears to have upgraded its 3-point shooting, which was its biggest weakness, while beefing up its frontcourt depth.
Still, the team could use one more serviceable center for depth.
Veteran big man Kevin Love is about to be released by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Lakers are reportedly one of a few teams interested in snagging him off the buyout market.
Via Hoops Wire (h/t Lakers Daily):
“Sources told Hoops Wire the (Golden State) Warriors, Lakers and (Portland) Trail Blazers may be other teams with interest,” Sam Amico wrote.
At age 34, Love isn’t the force he was several years ago, but he can still grab rebounds, throw outlet passes and hit 3-pointers.
He is averaging 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per game this season while shooting 35.4 percent from downtown.
Of course, Love played four seasons with LeBron James, and given James’ influence on Lakers personnel decisions, the onetime University of California, Los Angeles standout could very well end up with the Purple and Gold.
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