Lakers Rumors: Timofey Mozgov Reportedly Shut Down to Give Young Players Minutes

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking toward their future by benching center Timofey Mozgov.

Per Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Mozgov has been a healthy scratch in recent games because the Lakers want to "take a stronger look at their younger guys the rest of the season."

Mozgov has only played twice in the Lakers' last 13 games. He's had a solid season as their primary center, averaging 13.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per 36 minutes, per Basketball-Reference.com.

By benching Mozgov, the Lakers are taking a financial risk in diminishing his potential trade value over the summer if they want to try to move him. The 30-year-old signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the team last summer after winning an NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mozgov was forced to address his huge contract recently due to increasing criticism about his play for the Lakers.

"I just do what I do," Mozgov told Mark Medina of the Orange County Register. "It's not like I can jump over my head. I just do my stuff."

Ivica Zubac, who turns 20 years old March 18, has fared well in a more prominent role since the All-Star break with 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in seven contests. His potential based on his age is certainly greater than what Mozgov will provide the Lakers at this point.

At 20-47, the Lakers have no reason to act like they are playing for anything this year. They need to start determining which pieces will play an integral role in their future.

Mozgov isn't the biggest problem the Lakers have right now, but he's not helping them this season and isn't a building block for the future.