The Los Angeles Lakers have finally done it, ladies and gentlemen. They’ve traded for a stretch big man capable of knocking down shots and giving them some added offensive punch in the frontcourt.
Yes, of course I’m talking about Mike Muscala, who was dealt to the Clippers in the wee hours of Wednesday morning as part of the Tobias Harris deal. The Lakers have reportedly agreed to send Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to their roommates at the Staples Center for a frontcourt upgrade.
The Clippers are trading Mike Muscala to the Lakers for Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
Zubac was a piece in some of the reported Anthony Davis trades, but not one of the key ones, so this doesn’t necessarily mean all hope is lost on that front — although reports indicate it would require a minor miracle for that to get done by the deadline in half an hour.
Muscala does give them a useful big man that can space the floor and knock down shots. They do desperately need shot makers, but this isn’t exactly a move that will change their chances in the West playoff race dramatically. By moving Beasley in the deal with Zubac, the Lakers create a roster spot for the buyout market which, yes, means Carmelo Anthony is very much in play.
The Lakers plan to evaluate the full buyout market once it takes shape, but Carmelo Anthony is expected to be among the considerations too, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
