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Los Angeles Lakers: How the young talent fits with LeBron James

By Jacob Doole

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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EL SEGUNDO, CA – JUNE 26: Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations, stands with the team’s 2018 NBA draft picks Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. Wagner was chosen with the 25th overall pick and Mykhailiuk with the 47th pick. TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA – JUNE 26: Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations, stands with the team’s 2018 NBA draft picks Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. Wagner was chosen with the 25th overall pick and Mykhailiuk with the 47th pick. TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Moe Wagner

The Lakers knew going into this draft that they were a big chance to sign LeBron, and they drafted accordingly. Wagner is essentially a Brook Lopez replacement, someone who can space the floor from the center spot and give LeBron room to operate.

He shot 39.4 percent from deep last season as he led Michigan to the national championship game. While it can be hard to project NBA shooting with the extended 3-point line, his shooting stroke and touch suggest that his college success is sustainable.

In three games at the Sacramento summer league, he showed glimpses of potential as a rebounder (8.0 per game) and a rim protector (2.0 blocks per game). However, in all likelihood, those will be the things that keep him off the court at times.

Wagner isn’t a great athlete, and he struggles when switched onto quicker players on the perimeter. It’s those defensive shortcomings that could make him unplayable in crunch time, and a potential liabalility in the playoffs.

With that said, his shooting is certainly an asset. With JaVale McGee and Ivica Zubac as the only centers slated for the Lakers roster, he will certainly see minutes when more offense and spacing are needed.

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