The Los Angeles Lakers continue to bolster their lineup for their NBA title-retention bid as they close in on a deal with Marc Gasol.

As reported by NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the former All-NBA First Team member has agreed to a two-year deal with the defending champions.

To make cap space for the acquisition of Gasol, the Lakers are sending JaVale McGee and a future second-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie.

Gasol initially got drafted by the Lakers in 2007, but the team traded his draft rights to the Memphis Grizzlies in a package that included his older brother Pau Gasol.

The 35-year-old developed into one of the best big men in the NBA with the Grizzlies, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013 and being named to the All-NBA First Team in 2015.

He joined the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and helped the franchise capture their maiden NBA championship in the same year.

With Gasol bound for Los Angeles, the Lakers are favored to defend their throne after also acquiring Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder, and Wesley Matthews in the offseason. – Rappler.com