With the NBA Draft on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely decide between Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell with their No. 2 pick as Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to go first to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, rumors have emerged this past week about the team actively pursuing Sacramento Kings center, DeMarcus Cousins.
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While Cousins remains an option for Los Angeles, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the Lakers are moving up on LaMarcus Aldridge’s free agency list following the trade that sent Nic Batum to the Charlotte Hornets:
ESPN's LaMarcus Aldridge latest: Batum trade only latest signal of Aldridge's likely departure and sources say Lakers are moving up his list
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2015
Although the Lakers were reportedly a ‘distant third’ for Aldridge, it appears they have surpassed the Dallas Mavericks while the San Antonio Spurs remain his top destination:
ESPN sources say Lakers appear to be passing Dallas on list of likely destinations for Aldridge should he leave POR. San Antonio still No. 1
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2015
Heading into July 1, the Lakers will have approximately $24 million in cap space to pursue one player with a max contract. Along with Kevin Love, Aldridge is considered the most likely big name to change teams this off-season after the Portland Trail Blazers failed to get out of the first round in this year’s playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies.
For the Lakers, they look to take the next step in their rebuild and Aldridge is considered one of this year’s top free agents. While the Cousins trade remains a possibility, Los Angeles may head into next season with Aldridge to go along with the No. 2 pick, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Kobe Bryant.
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