NBA Free Agency 2017: Five potential landing spots for Blake Griffin
By Keith Rivas
![Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Clippers defeated the Suns 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Clippers defeated the Suns 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
Los Angeles Lakers
In their search to land a superstar, the reality is that Blake Griffin could be their first splash under Magic Johnson. While it’s heavily rumored that Paul George will strongly consider the Lakers when he becomes a free agent, that’s not until after next season.
Not that it’s too long in the big picture, but the Lakers might look for somebody now.
Getting a guy like Griffin, even with his proneness to injuries, without giving up your young core would be a feat to take pride in.
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Magic Johnson knows that his time as president of the team will rely on two things. Either he’ll convince an established star to join the young core, or one of the youngsters will breakthrough and be the next big thing.
Right now, he’d probably bank on the prior.
If Los Angeles wants to unload Luol Deng, added Griffin would help balance out their rotation within forwards. Brandon Ingram is going to try and translate tons of off-season work into a successful second season.
But until he makes those strides, a veteran like Griffin would be a valuable option. Also, Julius Randle still have plenty of room to improve and Larry Nance Jr. could do some more work too.
Joining the Lakers would mean willingly throwing yourself into the tail end of a rebuild. But it’d also mean staying in Los Angeles, not having to move, and being able to not lose that mental edge.