According to Sean Deveney of Forbes, the Lakers and Heat are among many suitors interested in signing Raptors big man Serge Ibaka this offseason.
“The Raptors are still the favorite to keep Ibaka,” Deveney reported. “But if he leaves, he would only do so to have a chance at a championship – teams like the [Boston] Celtics, the [Los Angeles] Clippers, the Heat, the [Dallas] Mavericks and the [Portland] Trail Blazers are among those interested in Ibaka. The [Los Angeles] Lakers, though, would offer him the best chance at another ring.”
The 34-year-old big man is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the NBA. In the 2019-20 season, in Toronto, he averaged 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 blocks on 51.2% shooting.
Coming off their recent Championship win, the Lakers are looking to improve their frontcourt rotation. Ibaka, who provides size and protection around the rim, would be great in helping maintain their status as one of the league’s best defensive clubs. Among the available options for LA, Ibaka will remain a strong target.
Miami, meanwhile, is looking to follow-up their Finals run this past season with a title win in the ’21 campaign. With Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, they’re in a good position. But Ibaka’s defense might just be enough to put them over the top.
It’s hard to say for certain how much money the 11-year veteran will be looking for when he becomes a free agent, but it’s a guarantee he will be a highly pursued player by much of the NBA community.
