NBA Free-Agency Rumors (Photo : REUTERS)
Looking to move on from their failed attempt to snag All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins, the Los Angeles Lakers have set their sight on another All-Star caliber center in DeAndre Jordan, who is among the best available big man in this free-agency period.
In a report by Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are expected to be one of four teams (the Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks and Clippers are the others) scheduled to visit the All-NBA and All-Defensive team center when the free-agency seasons officially begins on July 1.
Jordan, who averaged 11.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game (ESPN Stats) in a breakout year with the Los Angeles Clippers, is a hot commodity on the free-agency market as he brings rim protection and rebounding ability to the table. Although his 41.7 percent career free-throw shooting makes him a liability in close contest, Jordan easily offsets his lack of shooting touch from the stripe with his incredible athleticism.
With their point guard of the future in D'Angelo Russell already in the fold, Bleacher Report NBA analyst Ric Bucher and Howard Beck both agreed that the Lakers are much more appealing free-agency destination for elite frontline players compared to their status before the draft.
Days heading into the draft, the Lakers made a botched attempt to trade for Cousins, who is considered by far the most dominant offensive force inside the shaded lane. However, the Lakers can pretty much recover from that setback by signing Jordan, who will instantly address a gaping hole in the heart of its defense.
The Lakers were among the worst defensive teams and mediocre in rebounding last season, placing 29th in point allowed per game (105.3 ppg) and 12th in rebounding (43.9 rpg). Jordan's presence in the middle would push the Lakers back up there among the best defensive units, while the possibility of bringing in LaMarcus Aldridge would provide them a well-balanced frontline attack.
It's still uncertain how the Lakers will split their limited cap money (estimated at $28 million) to meet the asking price of these players, but the Lakers management seems pretty much determined to make a big splash this summer after two disappointing seasons.
