JaVale McGee Headed to the Lakers? NBA News & Rumors Here!

JaVale McGee is perhaps one of the tested big men that has yet to be re-signed and two teams are reportedly hot on his trail.

McGee, who has become a journeyman before ending up in free agency, could be headed to the Dallas Mavericks or the Los Angeles Lakers if negotiations pull through. Such was reported by Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders.

His original plan was to hook up with a team prior to the last NBA playoffs but unfortunately no team took the risk of taking in the athletic seven-footer. McGee has had stints with the Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers where he only played six games.

McGee was eventually waived in March 1, 2015. At this time and with playoff-bound teams gearing up for the post-season, McGee was a widely rumoured name to beef up certain clubs. It never happened.

Now, McGee is once again in focus though it could also depend on the condition of his legs. For the past two seasons, McGee has had to deal with leg issues and such could be a key factor as far as his next stint is concerned.

The Dallas Mavericks are still aggressively looking to add big men to their mix though they already have Zaza Pachulia, Samuel Dalembert and Bernard James in earlier transactions.

After failing to land DeAndre Jordan, the Mavs are trying to expand their options and McGee could be a great addition if he is healthy. McGee could bring his energy and aggressive shot blocking ways to the Dallas fold, not to mention provide some highlight plays since the 27-year-old center has been known to throw it down when the opportunity arises.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are practically in the same vote though they have already gotten a starting center in Roy Hibbert. McGee could end up playing backup to Hibbert if ever he lands in Los Angeles, a role that shouldn’t be that bad.

If there is something that could make McGee fit, it is the fact that he can play defense. He has shown that he can go for scintillating blocks which should provide an added boost for the Laker defense.

What’s more, McGee’s shot-blocking prowess could easily blend in with coach Byron Scott’s defensive plays, something that he has been known to preach ever since.

It remains to be seen which team will eventually end up with McGee, someone who has long been in the sidelines.

With nothing definite for now, here is hoping that the 18th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft will be healthy enough to suit up with an NBA team when the league opens its doors this coming October.