Should The Lakers Target Lamarcus Aldridge Or Stay Away?
By Mehdi Bouneb
The Los Angeles Lakers secured the fourth worst record in the NBA, as well as the worst winning percentage in franchise history. With their season over, the front office will turn their focus to the May 19 draft lottery, in addition to identifying which free agents they will chase come July 1st.
One unrestricted free-agent the Lakers can pursue is current Portland Trailblazers forward, LaMarcus Aldridge. Despite a strong personal performance by Aldrige, Portland was not clicking on all cylinders — which resulted in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in game 1 of the Western Conference, the rumor mill is swirling again.
According to Jason Quick, the Blazers should be concerned:
After atrocious Game 1, Trail Blazers should add this to list of concerns: The future of LaMarcus Aldridge http://t.co/rI9E4akxkR
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) April 20, 2015
Quick also states that “some Blazers have already said they are worried free agency will take Aldridge away from Portland this summer. Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50”.
If the Lakers were to choose between LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love, the former Texas Longhorn would make more sense, and here’s why:
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Through 71 games, Aldridge averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 35 minutes while Love averaged 16.4 points and 7.9 rebounds in 34 minutes. Another factor is that Aldridge is playing in his sixth post-season whereas Love is making his first playoffs appearance against the Boston Celtics.
Aldridge is also posting a player efficiency rating of 22.85 compared to Love’s 18.89. The Lakers would rather have a proven player who has the experience to lead a team during the regular season and the playoffs. Aldridge would fit that category.
Marc Stein of ESPN reports the Lakers’ interest in Aldridge:
We know Knicks & Lakers will chase LaMarcus Aldridge come July, but at least two teams in Texas believe they have shot at him: Spurs & Mavs
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 23, 2015
Aldridge has eight years of NBA experience with six post-season appearances. Outside of Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are lacking a strong scoring presence in the post despite having Jordan Hill. Aldridge would be an immense upgrade over Hill, providing the Lakers with a strong post player and rebounder.
Aldridge has developed a consistent mid-range game, and has extended his range to 24 feet. His offense and defense would be enjoyable to watch for Lakers fans, and his consistency, something the Lakers have lacked in the past few years would be refreshing.
I am not taking shots at Hill, but he has not shown the Lakers that he is their big man of the future. He certainly has improved but he is not as dominant as Aldridge.
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According to Ramona Shelburne, “LaMarcus Aldridge is actually a lot more in play than people think”.
The Lakers have a team option on Hill, but in order to acquire Aldridge; they will have to decline Hill’s option to have enough cap space. Aldridge would be a nice complement to Bryant as he could provide that one-two punch, like in the days when Pau Gasol was still donning the purple and gold.
Aldridge could also serve as a mentor to Julius Randle and this would greatly benefit the rookie out of Kentucky.
The Blazers are currently down two games in their first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. With the series heading back to Portland, the Grizzlies will look to sweep the Blazers. If that’s the case, Aldridge may have played his last game for the Blazers.
One can only speculate which free agents will come to play for the Lakers. The draft lottery will determine the Lakers’ position and this will dictate which direction the front office will take. Until then, fans can only hope for the best.