By all accounts, the Los Angeles Lakers choice with the second overall pick came down to Duke center, Jahlil Okafor and Ohio State point guard, D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers wound up going with Russell, giving the franchise another dynamic guard to team with Jordan Clarkson.
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The Lakers still have major needs in the frontcourt, however, which is why general manager Mitch Kupchak says the team will be focusing on big men in free agency according to Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell:
Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers will focus on adding to the frontcourt in free agency.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 26, 2015
This is a wise move for the Lakers as the team could really use some help up front, especially at the center position. The Lakers have already been linked to a couple of major names in free agency.
Kevin Love has been a name that has come up a number of times for the Lakers. He has opted out of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer though the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to be the front-runners to re-sign him.
LaMarcus Aldridge’s name has surfaced recently as a potential signing for the Lakers as they have reportedly risen among his preferred destinations. It is widely believed that he will leave Portland in free agency and the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks are also believed to be contenders for him.
DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol are also unrestricted free agents and the Lakers will surely put in calls to everyone available. If the Lakers are able to land one of the premier big men this summer, the future of the team will be far greater than anyone could have imagined at the end of the season.
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