Three players Cavs can acquire from Lakers

Brook Lopez

Who remembers Timofey Mozgov?

It’s been so long since Lopez has been a relevant name in NBA circles that it seems easier to compare Lopez to a contemporary. Lopez, a former All-Star (2012-2013) who established himself as one of the games most skilled scorers and fearsome rim-protectors, is Mozgov with better career production and more shooting range.

Mozgov, a former Cleveland Cavaliers center, wasn’t the most mobile of characters but made himself felt in the paint on both ends. It’s a tale as old as time for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the LeBron James Era (Part I and II) really, as that was the scouting report of franchise legend Zydrunus Ilgauskus.

I digress, with averages of 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocks in just 21.1 minutes per game, Lopez is obviously a player who can still fill up a box score with an immediate impact.

At 7-feet tall and 265, Lopez is a bruiser although he doesn’t use that size to dominate on the glass. What’s more, although he’s shooting just 31.5 percent from three-point range, he’s knocking down 45.8 percent of his corner threes. Lopez is also knocking down 42.4 percent of his jumpers from 10-16 feet and has shot 42.6 percent from that area for his career.

When you factor in him converting 70.7 percent of his shots in the paint this season and his passing ability, Lopez is the two-way player that the Cavs currently lack right now. Lopez could come in and be the starting center, due to the spacing and size he brings. However, he could also come off the bench if the Cavs opt to continue starting Kevin Love at center.