The Los Angeles Lakers could certainly use help with the bind they find themselves in these days, and looking for new and preferably young talent will surely be on the agenda.
With most players signed during the offseason eligible to be bought out, traded or even waived by December 15, the Lakers could be among the teams on the prowl. The question is who could they possibly eye?
There is one player right now that has gained the eye of multiple teams – Shabazz Muhammad of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves have an abundance of forwards on their end, led no less by sophomore Andrew Wiggins. However, compared to the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year, there is no denying that the two are miles apart as far as style of play is concerned.
Muhammad is more of a role player who has seen a large dip in playing time. With that in mind, his numbers have dropped as well.
The 14th overall pick of 2013 is averaging only 8 points and 2.6 rebounds as of late, a far cry from the 13.5 points and 4.1 rebounds that he turned out last season.
Though he may not be a high-profile player, he is a valued role player who can do a lot of the intangibles that any NBA team can surely make do with.
The Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are two of the teams interested in Muhammad though it doesn’t look like the Timberwolves are interested in trading the third-year forward for now, as per reports from Fansided.
Of the two, the obvious is that the Lakers are the team looking to hone their forward position, as pointed out by Lakers Nation.
With Kobe Bryant retiring and Metta World Peace likely to follow as well, Muhammad could be a key addition to the Lakers due for yet another major revamp after the 2015-16 NBA season.
Dealing this early is not discounted though. The Lakers and the T-Wolves could come up with something though there could be some players involved. Will that include any of the Lakers’ celebrated young guns of the future (Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle or D’Angelo Russell)?
Being a role player, Muhammad should fit in with the defensive matrix of the Lakers. As everyone has probably seen by now, the Lakers are faring badly on the defensive end, so someone like Muhammad could be a big boost.
Despite their alleged non-interest, all that may change by next week and could largely depend on what the team would be offered in exchange for the 23-year-old swingman.