Free agency is set to begin in just over 24 hours, but the Los Angeles Lakers are making a lot of noise before that period even begins. Rumors of LaMarcus Aldridge leaning towards signing with the Lakers are coming out, and the team will meet with him immediately after the start of free agency.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
Another big man the team is targeting is Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times the Lakers will meet with Jordan on Wednesday:
The Lakers will meet Wednesday with Clippers free agent DeAndre Jordan, though he's considered a bit of a long shot for them.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 30, 2015
Jordan enjoyed a career year for the Clippers last season. He led the NBA in rebounding and field goal percentage and was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team and All-NBA Third Team. He specializes in defense and rebounding, something the Lakers sorely need after finishing 29th in points allowed and defensive rating.
After drafting point guard D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick last week, the focus of the Lakers will be on the frontcourt in free agency and Jordan is one of the best available. As was noted by Bresnahan, however, the Lakers are considered a long shot as the Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are considered the frontrunners for Jordan.
Nonetheless, the Lakers seem to have the interest of a number of major free agents this summer which is very promising. If the team is capable of landing just one max player, it will be a very successful off-season for the Lakers and the future of the team will be brighter than it has been over the last few years.
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