Lakers News: Latest Rumors on LaMarcus Aldridge, David Lee and More
The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make a big splash in the NBA's free-agency period, as they look to rebuild a franchise that isn't used to being bottom-dwellers.
They still have their sights set on a number of targets and will be in talks for plenty of available all-star talent.
Continue below for some of the latest updates on some of Los Angeles' top priorities.
LaMarcus Aldridge seems to believe in second in chances, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:
The announcement comes a day after Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported that Aldridge would not be signing with the Lakers after their first meeting on Tuesday. A meeting that included a pitch from Kobe Bryant:
ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that the Lakers focused more on the glamour of living in Los Angeles more than an actual plan on how things were going to play out on the court.
With a second attempt, the Lakers will have to try to wow Aldridge, who is being pursued by the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and now the Phoenix Suns according to the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro.
Phoenix made a big-time move to show Aldridge that it is serious about pursuing him by trading Marcus Morris, Danny Granger and Reggie Bullock to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday for a 2020 second-round pick. The trade clears space to sign the forward, according to Wojnarowski.
Yet Jabari Young of CSN Northwest reports that "the Spurs remain at the top of Aldridge’s list."
It's going to be difficult for any team to out-smart the likes of Gregg Popovich and the Spurs, but the Lakers will have to make their second chance with Aldridge about basketball and how his arrival in Los Angeles could deliver yet another championship to the purple and gold.
The Lakers have a back-up plan, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne if their free-agency quest fails.
David Lee was forced to see the bench an awful lot last season, appearing in just 49 games. He averaged 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, the lowest of his career since his rookie season in 2005/06 with the New York Knicks.
In four previous seasons with the Warriors, Lee averaged no fewer than 16.5 points per game while making an all-star appearance in 2013. But sitting on the bench next season will not do much for the Warriors forward who is set to make $15.49 million next season, the last of his contract, according to Rotoworld.com.
Lee is a bit smaller but quicker than Aldridge. He has a solid low-post game with above-average mid-range capabilities. But his acquisition would not be enough in terms of size and rebounding help.
The Lakers are basically in need of a brand-new frontcourt. After losing Ed Davis—while Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer are unlikely to return—Los Angeles has a blank slate and money to spend to shape a core of big-men who can carry the team next season.
Los Angeles has lost out on Kevin Love, who signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers—per ESPN's Brian Windhorst—and Greg Monroe, after he signed a three-year, $50 million deal, per Wojnarowski, with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Desperation could force them to grossly overpay for a forward whether it's in free-agency or through a trade, but expect the Lakers to be linked with plenty more big names this offseason.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com
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