NBA Free Agency Rumors: Lakers Interested In Serge Ibaka
Anthony Davis, Serge Ibaka, Lakers, Raptors
Ashley Landis-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers will look to make improvements to their championship roster, and likely have a full mid-level exception to be able to do so.

L.A. has been tied to several notable names in free agency, and will be hoping that players take some form of discounts to play for a championship. One of those players the Lakers could potentially target is Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka.

Ibaka has been a critical member of the Raptors since 2017, and helped lead the team to their first ever championship in 2019. The 2020-21 season will be Ibaka’s 13th in the league, meaning he may be willing to take a pay cut for the best shot at a second ring.

The Lakers will not be alone in this search, as plenty of other contending teams will want Ibaka to help bolster their roster, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com:

One target is Raptors big man Serge Ibaka, according to executives around the league. … The Raptors are still the favorite to keep Ibaka. But if he leaves, he would only do so to have a chance at a championship—teams like the Celtics, the Clippers, the Heat, the Mavericks and the Trail Blazers are among those interested in Ibaka. The Lakers, though, would offer him the best chance at another ring.

Ibaka would provide massive help to any of the team listed above. For the Boston Celtics and L.A. Clippers, he would be their best big man, helping to defend opposing bigs down low. For the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers, he could be a proven veteran to help bring them to the next level of contention.

For the Lakers, Ibaka would provide another spot-up shooter who can also take the pressure off of Anthony Davis during the regular season. He would likely play a similar role to Markieff Morris, but his size would make him even more effective against opposing centers.

While this remains a pipe dream given the value that Ibaka could demand in an otherwise weak market, he would be a perfect fit on the roster and would bolster L.A.’s chances of repeating in 2021.

Free Agency to begin immediately following NBA Draft

With training camps for the 2020-21 season set to begin on Dec. 1, and the NBA Draft scheduled for Nov. 18, free agency will need to happen on a far more truncated schedule than normal.

Because of this, the free agency is due to start just two days after the Draft is completed.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Draft Workouts: Khalifa Diop Explains What He Can Bring To NBA Teams

It is never too late to schedule potential prospects to come in for a pre-draft workout and for the Los Angeles Lakers…

Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis To Miss At Least One Month With Right Foot Injury

The main reason for the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent turnaround has been the play of Anthony Davis as he has ben dominating…

Lakers NBA Draft Prospect Evaluations: Providence Guard Devin Carter

The 2024 NBA Draft is getting closer and the Los Angeles Lakers have the opportunity to potentially add an impact player…

Recap: LeBron James Puts On A Show To Close Out 2021 In Lakers Blowout Victory Over Trail Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers ended 2021 on a high note as they blew out the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena…