Lakers predicted to target surprise breakout 76ers player in free agency
Context:
The Los Angeles Lakers, following their early playoff exit due to a lack of frontcourt depth, are targeting Philadelphia 76ers' free agent Guerschon Yabusele to strengthen their roster. Yabusele, who performed impressively with the 76ers by averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, is seen as a good fit for the Lakers due to his ability to space the floor, which complements LeBron James's style. The Lakers are anticipated to make a strong pitch to Yabusele, offering the allure of playing alongside James and Luka Doncic, potentially enhancing his profile further. Despite his potential departure, the 76ers are inclined to retain Yabusele as he is considered a valuable asset, provided his contract demands remain reasonable. It remains uncertain if Yabusele will be the Lakers' primary target, as they may pursue higher-profile big men first.
Dive Deeper:
The Lakers' early exit from the playoffs, attributed to their lack of frontcourt depth post their trade involving Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, has prompted them to seek additional big men, with Guerschon Yabusele being a potential target.
Yabusele had a strong return to the NBA with the 76ers, contributing significantly by averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while maintaining impressive shooting percentages from the field and three-point range.
Yabusele's ability to space the floor is particularly appealing to the Lakers, as stretch big men have historically thrived alongside LeBron James, making him a coveted option for enhancing the team's dynamics.
The Lakers' recruitment strategy for Yabusele may focus on the benefits of playing in Hollywood and alongside star players like James and Doncic, which could boost his visibility and performance.
While Yabusele is a valuable player for the 76ers, his potential departure wouldn't be catastrophic, but retaining him would be beneficial if financial terms are favorable.
There is speculation that the Lakers might initially aim to sign more high-profile big men before turning to Yabusele, indicating a strategic approach to their roster enhancement.
Yabusele's decision will be influenced by the offers from both the Lakers and 76ers, with the former potentially offering a more enticing role and market exposure.
The Los Angeles Lakers were embarrassed in their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Among the most glaring reasons for this was their lack of frontcourt depth after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic. Following their humiliation, the Lakers will prowl for more help.
One possible option they may look into is Philadelphia 76ers' free agent big man Guerschon Yabusele. PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson wrote why the Lakers would want frontcourt help and why Yabusele would be their target.
“I would say the Lakers' upcoming pursuit of interior help after their five-game loss to Minnesota in the first round is a poorly kept secret,” Aaronson wrote. “…they will almost certainly be adding multiple bigs this summer, and stretch bigs like Yabusele have historically thrived when spacing the floor for LeBron James.”
Yabusele thrived with the Sixers. In his first year back in the NBA since 2019, he averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 50.1% and 38% from three. He played well enough that re-signing him is a no-brainer for the Sixers as long as the cost is reasonable.
The Lakers’ potential pitch to Yabusele would not just be the lure of playing in Hollywood but also that he would be playing next to LeBron James and Doncic, who could make him stand out even more than he has for the past season with the Sixers. However, it’s also likely the Lakers could try to pitch that to higher-profile big men first before Yabusele.
It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Yabusele left the Sixers, but the team is better off keeping him than letting him walk.
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