Lakers News: Latest Free-Agency Buzz on LaMarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo and More
In the span of a few weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have transformed from a downtrodden lottery team to one of the biggest presumed players in NBA free agency.
While the Lakers are generally considered a premier destination for free agents year in and year out, the noise regarding their plans this summer has been deafening.
Whether it's revolved around the team's odds of signing an established superstar, spurning a divisive ball-handler or forking over cash to sign a key role player, the Lakers will have myriad decisions to make when the moving and shaking officially gets underway.
Lakers in the Running for Aldridge
The Lakers opted for speed and ball-handling over size with the second pick in Thursday's draft when they selected D'Angelo Russell at No. 2 overall.
As a result, the Purple and Gold are firmly in the market for frontcourt reinforcements with free agency on the horizon.
Enter LaMarcus Aldridge, who is reportedly ditching the Portland Trail Blazers this summer.
"A Western Conference executive with knowledge of the Aldridge pursuit has told The Columbian that the free agent has already informed the Blazers that he will not return to the Northwest," The Columbian's Erik Gundersen wrote.
That puts the Lakers firmly in the mix for the 29-year-old power forward, according to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears.
"The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers are the front-runners to land the All-Star, a source told Yahoo Sports," Spears wrote. "The Dallas native is also expected to have interest from the Dallas Mavericks."
Netting Aldridge would be a major boon for a Lakers team that was mired in a painful rebuild last season. Coming off a franchise-worst 61 losses during the 2014-15 season, the Lakers' stock is suddenly surging.
"Los Angeles poses an interesting fit for Aldridge, granting him the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of what could be a quick and special rebuild," Bleacher Report's Dan Favale wrote.
But even if the Lakers lose out on Aldridge, nabbing Russell has put them in a position to gradually rise up the Western Conference ranks as Kobe Bryant gets set to put a bow on his storied career.
Don't Count on Rondo
As one point guard enters the picture in Hollywood, another appears to be fading out of it.
"The Lakers had long been connected with point guard Rajon Rondo in free agency, in part because of his friendship with star Kobe Bryant, but the addition of Russell ends that possibility," Sporting News' Sean Deveney wrote. "One source, when asked about Rondo going to the Lakers, simply said, 'Doubtful.'"
That's pretty much a no-brainer for the Lakers at this point.
With Russell on a cost-controlled, rookie-scale deal, there's no need to sink more money into the position. And while Russell's 6'5" frame will allow him to play both guard positions, taking the ball out of his hands wouldn't enhance his effectiveness.
With Bryant already demanding a lion's share of the offensive touches, finding Russell room to operate will be of the utmost importance. The Lakers can't sacrifice his development by adding a ball-dominant presence like Rondo. Thus, letting the 29-year-old floor general explore his options elsewhere is wise.
Expect big things from Russell as he preps to bask in the L.A. spotlight.
Davis, Lakers Headed for Reunion?
Lakers big man Ed Davis officially opted out of a $1.1 million player option Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times' Eric Pincus, but that doesn't mean he's dismissed the idea of a return.
According to Pincus, mutual interest in a continued partnership continues to exist:
Back on April 22, Davis discussed his desire to continue playing at Staples Center with his Purple and Gold brethren.
"This is where I want to call home," Davis said, per Pincus. "The city, the coaching staff, the owners, the [general manager], everything like that—I'm definitely comfortable."
Beyond averaging career-highs of 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds during his first season with the Lakers, Davis was also the team's most reliable rim protector.
According to SportVU player-tracking data, opponents shot 5.6 percent below the league average inside of six feet (54 percent) when defended by Davis last season. Considering Davis spent 43.5 percent of his time altering those shots, he holds significant value as an athletic interior specialist.
He won't come cheap, though.
According to the Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina, Davis is seeking a new contract that will pay him anywhere between $7 to $10 million annually. ProBasketballTalk.com's Sean Highkin wrote:
"Davis didn’t get the kind of minutes he should have with the Lakers, but he’s a capable big who would be a terrific signing for a team looking for some frontcourt depth off the bench. $7 or 8 million per year for a long-term deal could turn into a bargain for a rotation big once the salary cap rises next summer with the new TV deal.
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Free agents like Aldridge will receive all the attention when July rolls around, but steady contributors like Davis can help fortify L.A.'s rotation as it seeks a return to the postseason.
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