Lakers News: Latest Buzz on Pursuit of Moe Harkless and Kent Bazemore

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't wasted any time overhauling their roster since free agency opened. 

First, they reportedly agreed to sign center Timofey Mozgov to a four-year, $64 million deal to fill a huge void in the middle of their starting five, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Shortly thereafter, the Purple and Gold reportedly moved to lock up restricted free agent Jordan Clarkson on a four-year pact worth $50 million, per The Vertical's Shams Charania. 

However, the Lakers may not be done just yet. With the signing period just starting to kick into high gear, rumors have surfaced regarding the team's interest in some compelling wing talent that could conceivably complement No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram, Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell quite nicely. 

 

Lakers Keeping Tabs on Moe Harkless

Portland Trail Blazers restricted free-agent forward Moe Harkless may not be a Tier 2 or even Tier 3 signee this year, but that hasn't stopped a slew of teams, including the Lakers, from inquiring about his services, according to Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy: 



Harkless doesn't fit the mold of a secondary or even tertiary scorer, but he's big and long enough at 6'9'' to defend multiple frontcourt positions. That much became evident last season when he played 70 percent of his minutes at small forward and 28 percent at power forward. 

The 23-year-old averaged just 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds last season, but as free-agent swingman Gerald Henderson explained in February, Harkless made his presence felt by doing dirty work, per the Oregonian's Mike Richman:

Always in the right spot, making cuts to the basket, playing defense. Just stayed ready. And he's helped us immensely.

A selfless and unsung contributor with the ability to provide flexibility and hustle in several de...

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