Lakers Deal Mozgov and Russell for Brook Lopez and 27th Pick

Ingram: How do we become a dynasty again Lord Magic?
D'Lo: I wanna become a dynasty!
Magic: Well, the first step is to trade all the little buggers who send inappropriate ravens. *Stares directly at D'Lo; D'Lo scoffs*

- Game of Zones Season 4, Episode 8

Well, the above text is not the exact reason why Magic (and Pelinka) traded away D'Lo. You know it's a deal when Adrian Wojrnaowski reports something NBA-related. According to Woj, the Lakers are trading away Timofey Mozgov and D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for the Nets' 27th pick in the draft and Brook Lopez. This was a complicated process because the Lakers wanted a team to take the overpriced contracts of either Mozgov ($68 million) or Luol Deng ($72 million) to free up cap space. But, they have to sacrifice one of the assets of the young core in addition to getting rid of either contract. The good news is that Mozgov's contract is out the door. Seriously, who would want to pay the remaining $68 million to a Center who's going to sit on the bench? For D'Lo being a casualty, some fans are elated and some fans are mad. I understand that. I personally thought he was coming on as a Shooting Guard late in the season. But, the Lakers needed to move some big contracts and the cost required a young piece. With Brook Lopez on board, this gives the Lakers a stop gap at Center as Zubac continues to develop. He's not the answer to the Lakers' woes down low, but he can score. And plus, the Lakers now have three 1st round picks heading into this draft barring any talks regarding Paul George, which are heating up. It's all but certain that the Lakers are taking a Point Guard at #2 whether it's Lonzo Ball, De'Aaron Fox, or Markelle Fultz (if the Celtics are really sold on picking Josh Jackson first).