Topic: Which big man do the Los Angeles Lakers have the best chance of bringing in this summer: DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe, Kevin Love, or LaMarcus Aldridge?
Context: This summer will undoubtedly bring about plenty of change to the Los Angeles Lakers roster. One position that is in major need of an upgrade is the frontcourt. Julius Randle and Tarik Black have potential, but the Lakers still lack a true star down low that has always been one of the team’s calling cards.
There will be a number of players available in free agency who could solve that issue for the Lakers, but whether or not they are able to convince one of them to commit to the purple and gold is another story.
DeAndre Jordan is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors and is an absolute monster on the boards as well. He finished third in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year and could have won the award. Kevin Love is one of the best offensive big men in the league, and can stretch defenses with his three-point shooting as well. He has long been linked with the Lakers considering he lives in Southern California in the off-season and went to college at UCLA.
LaMarcus Aldridge is arguably the best power forward in the NBA, who can also move to center at times if necessary. He is one of the true two-way big men in the NBA today. Greg Monroe is the youngest of the group, but has been a consistent offensive threat since he stepped in the league and can score both inside and outside.
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Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask the Lakers Nation faithful which big man they believe the Lakers have the best chance of bringing in this summer between Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, and Kevin Love? These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH I would love to say Aldridge but I think Love would be the best chance. #LNDebate
— Isaac Medina (@IsaacRMedina) April 25, 2015
@TheeCoreyH out of the 4 Monroe only cause of market. Gasol not leaving Aldridge not leaving Love definitely not leaving #LNDebate
— Prime (@OptimusP76) April 25, 2015
@TheeCoreyH #LNDebate LA without any doubt can be our next Pau.. + randle will be healthy next season, our next target is a passing mind PG
— Mahesa Ramadhianto (@MahesaMR6) April 25, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Aldridge 100%. We're going BIG #LNDebate
— E L B (@edwinminasians) April 25, 2015
@TheeCoreyH Aldridge or Monroe have the best chance #LNDebate Love is looking better with the Cavs and can't see DeAndre being a traitor
— HT8TH (@Henry2Live) April 25, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Love, barring the Cavs winning a title this year #Lndebate
— DEMi (@Murakulus) April 25, 2015
The faithful have spoken and while all of the options got some love, it looks as if Kevin Love was the most popular choice as the Lakers’ best chance at bringing in a star big man and it is hard to argue with that point.
I feel that Aldridge is the least likely to join the Lakers as if he leaves Portland it would likely be to join the Spurs. Greg Monroe is a possibility as well, but for some reason I just don’t see him coming to Los Angeles either. DeAndre Jordan is an interesting case as the Clippers can’t afford to pay him max money. I personally think he should be the Lakers’ top target, but it is hard to imagine him going from one L.A. team to another.
Kevin Love, however, just makes sense on a number of levels. He is likely frustrated with his diminished role in Cleveland and makes his off-season home in Southern California. I don’t necessarily think he’s the best fit with the Lakers, but the team needs talent and if Love is the man to come to Los Angeles, Lakers fans will be more than happy.
[divide]Lakers 2015 Exit Interviews: Mitch Kupchak