Lakers' Timofey Mozgov: Tabbed as starting center

Lakers coach Luke Walton mentioned Mozgov as the team's starting center to open the season, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis:

This isn't exactly breaking news considering the Lakers gave Mozgov a four-year, $64 million contract this offseason, but it appears as though the 30-year-old is set for an increased role after averaging just 17.4 minutes per game with the Cavaliers last season. Mozgov said he's moved past the knee issues that plagued him in 2015-16, noting that he'll be back to full health when the season approaches. fully healthy as the regular season approaches. Walton recently called Mozgov "the best in the league at his verticality and protecting the rim" and went on to compare Mozgov to Andrew Bogut, who played under Walton in Golden State. Like Bogut, Mozgov won't be counted on to be a major producer on the offensive end, but the Lakers will lean heavily on his ability to rebound and block shots, as well as score efficiently as a roll man in the paint.