At the NBA Draft on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers took another step in their rebuild by selecting D’Angelo Russell (2nd), Larry Nance (27th) and Anthony Brown (34th) with their three picks. While there is plenty of excitement, free agency is quickly approaching on July 1.
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With a projected $24 million in cap space should they not pick up Jordan Hill’s team option, the Lakers will be meeting DeAndre Jordan at his home in Houston according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times:
When free agency starts at 9:01 p.m. PDT Tuesday, Jordan will be home in Houston.
The officials said four teams will visit Jordan at home — the Clippers, Lakers, Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks.
Since the Lakers passed on Jahlil Okafor with their second overall pick, it would be ideal for the franchise to pursue a frontcourt player with a max contract. Along with Jordan, the Lakers will have numerous options including Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge.
While Love has maintained he would like to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Aldridge has reportedly informed the Portland Trail Blazers he will not return. Shortly after the Lakers selected Russell, there was another report that they drafted him because there is confidence to land Aldridge in free agency.
With free agency right around the corner, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers are able to land an All-Star big man. Along with the return of Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have established their young foundation with Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.
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