NBA free agency gets underway at 9:01 PM PST on Tuesday night with the Los Angeles Lakers ready to man the phones with plenty of big names on their list of potential signees. Although all the focus will likely be on trying to lure LaMarcus Aldridge to Los Angeles, Greg Monroe is an option that shouldn’t be overlooked.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
According to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, Monroe landing with the Lakers could be a strong possibility if Aldridge signs elsewhere:
While Monroe has long been tabbed as a good fit for the Knicks – Monroe can operate out of either the high post or low post in the triangle offense – the Lakers are also a strong possibility, especially if LaMarcus Aldridge signs elsewhere.
The Lakers are intrigued because they also run principles of the triangle offense and envision Monroe, who is an able passer, making the right reads in Byron Scott’s offense, which also employs Princeton-style sets at times.
Throughout the majority of last season, Monroe was linked to the New York Knicks. New York, much like Los Angeles, is desperate to kick the rebuilding process into high gear. Both teams have a considerable amount of cap space at their disposal and will be looking to sign at least one max player this summer.
Monroe is currently in Phil Jackson’s crosshairs and many believe he’ll inevitably land in New York alongside Carmelo Anthony. Veteran forward David West has also been mentioned as a player that favors the Knicks. It may come down to one or the other for New York.
As for the Lakers, Mitch Kupchak and company will be swinging for the fences with Monroe potentially being a backup plan if the team is unable to sign Aldridge or Kevin Love.
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