NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Could Sign Bismack Biyombo In Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are, without question, one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2016 NBA offseason. It has been awhile since they were at the top of the Western Conference, although with a couple moves they could get back to that point in the fairly near future.

Looking ahead at the upcoming NBA free agency period, the Lakers need to be aggressive. They have money to spend and quite a few holes to fill throughout their roster.

Charles Rahrig of FanSided opined that Bismack Biyombo could end up signing with the Lakers.

Biyombo would certainly add the type of defensive and rebounding presence that the Lakers have lacked over the past couple of seasons. There is a good chance that he will re-sign with the Toronto Raptors, although he may not get a starting job there. Jonas Valanciunas is widely expected to be the starting center once again next season, which could push Biyombo back to the bench.

Throughout the course of the 2015-16 regular season, Biyombo ended up averaging 5.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He shot 54.2 percent from the field overall, although he only connected on 62.8 percent of his foul shots.

While those numbers don’t look too impressive, Biyombo has taken his game to the next level in the postseason. He has averaged 6.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in the playoffs. Biyombo has had multiple huge performances for the Raptors in the postseason run that they are on and there is a good chance that Toronto would already be eliminated without his presence.

Luke Walton has agreed to take over the Lakers’ head coaching position. He showed major potential early on with the Golden State Warriors this season while filling the head coaching void left by Steve Kerr. There is no question that he will be an upgrade over Byron Scott and will help attract free agents.

At just 23-years-old, the sky’s the limit for Biyombo. He still has plenty of potential to grow into and the Lakers would be wise to buy low while they can. Losing out on him this offseason could very well mean another team adding a rising star big man long-term.

There is no telling what kind of contract Biyombo will be looking to receive when free agency opens up. No matter what price tag he has, the Lakers have the money to bring him on board. They will try to bring in a big name in free agency, but Los Angeles could bring in Biyombo and still make another major splash.

It will be interesting to see what ends up happening with Biyombo this offseason. He holds a player option, although there is a good chance that he will decline it. Due to his performances this season, his value has jumped through the roof.

Los Angeles needs to bring in players who can fit into an up-tempo system and bring energy and a hard working attitude. Biyombo is exactly that kind of player and his charisma could be exactly what Los Angeles needs after seeing Kobe Bryant retire from the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3bKnDPgss0

Expect to hear plenty of rumors moving forward surrounding both the Lakers and Biyombo. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the two parties talk at some point if Biyombo does end up opting out of his contract. He could be exactly what the Lakers need and may be one of the pieces that helps take them back to the postseason.

Do you think that the Los Angeles Lakers should try to sign Bismack Biyombo in NBA free agency? Would he be the franchise big man that the Lakers have been hoping to find? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by AP Photo/Aaron Gash]