DeAndre Jordan (Photo : REUTERS)
The Los Angeles Lakers could be an intriguing destination for incoming free-agent center DeAndre Jordan because of the team's ability to present a lucrative offer, and most of all, an opportunity to step outside the shadows of All-Star power forward Blake Griffin.
Jordan, who recently made it to the All-Defensive first team and All-NBA third team after averaging 11.5 points, 15.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 34 minutes per game during the 2014-15 NBA season, is expected to be one of the hottest names in the free-agency market, and one of few players eligible for a max contract offer.
Although the free-agency season is still over a month away, there are already ball clubs making their moves in attempt to lure the most athletic big man available this summer.
The Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks have all been mentioned as potential suitors for Jordan, who is not ruling out a change of scenery after seeing the Clippers squandered a 3-1 series lead to the Rockets in their Western Conference finals showdown, according to ESPN Los Angeles insider Ramona Shelburne.
"He has longed for a larger stage and role," Shelburne stated. "Not making the All-Star team or winning a defensive player of the year award has frustrated him. So does losing in the second round, year after year."
With at least $23 million cap room, the Lakers are emerging as a dark horse candidate for Jordan. Since the departure of Dwight Howard to the Rockets in 2013, the Lakers haven't much to brag about at the center spot - which is historically the franchise's strongest position throughout the years. Jordan, with his defensive prowess and evolving offensive game, would be a game-changing acquisition to a Lakers team that ranked 29th in the league at 105.3 points allowed per game.
If Jordan decides to join the purple and gold, the Lakers would suddenly boost one of the most talented young frontcourt trio in the league with Jordan, a healthy Julius Randle and their no.2 overall pick which is expected to be used for either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor.
Moreover, Jordan can become the focal leader of the team, while Towns and Randle are still at the infant stage of their careers. It would be an appealing pitch for Jordan who's eager to be mentioned in the same breath as other elite big men like Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol.
Then again, it remains unseen whether Jordan wants to bolt out from the Clippers and make a name for himself elsewhere. Will he forego the spoil of playing with an established contender in exchange for a bigger role with a team that is still years away to become a major title threat? It appears all of these questions will only be answered as the free-agency period draws near.
