The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to pursue Toronto Raptors power forward Serge Ibaka in free agency, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.
Ibaka, 31, is coming off a season in which he averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds. While he isn’t expected to have a ton of suitors this offseason, several contenders are likely to make a run.
Apparently, that list includes the defending champions.
“From a personnel standpoint, he is exactly the kind of combo big guy that team (the Lakers) needs,” Deveney quoted a general manager as saying. “They have had interest in him before and they will again. When he is healthy he is an excellent spot starter at the 5 (center) and the 4 (power forward).
The GM continued.
“He is as good a bench big guy as there is in the league,” he told Deveney. “He was a really credible 3-point threat last year. If he is willing to accept what the Lakers can afford to give him, I know they would want him.”
The Raptors are considered the favorites for Ibaka, Deveney reported. Along with the Lakers, the LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers could have Ibaka on the radar, per Deveney.
