It was a rough day for the Los Angeles Lakers with the storied franchise learning that LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love have both passed on the opportunity to sign with the team in NBA free agency. Although the Lakers weren’t able to land Aldridge, or at least that’s what the reports suggest, Mitch Kupchak and company had one final meeting with DeAndre Jordan on Wednesday.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
According to Broderick Turner of the L.A. Times, the meeting with Jordan didn’t go all that well in terms of making an impression:
Lakers were "somewhat underwhelming" in presentation with DeAndre Jordan, sources. DJ felt Lakers had been on "whirlwind" last 24 hours.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 2, 2015
Things continue to head in the wrong direction for the Lakers in their pursuit of a free agent big man. After three meetings with top-tier frontcourt players, the team remains empty handed with one full day of free agency officially in the books.
With Jordan more than likely re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers or joining the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers could try to go all-in with in an attempt to land Greg Monroe. The Lakers brass met with Monroe early on Wednesday in Washington D.C., but no news, positive or negative, surfaced immediately after.
Unfortunately, if Jordan and Monroe both pass, and that seems to be the case at this point in time, the team will have to pursue other options to upgrade the roster. One player the Lakers may start seriously showing interest in is Tobias Harris.
Harris may be a restricted free agent and could be a challenge to sign, but the Orlando Magic aren’t sold on matching lucrative offer sheets. Ultimately, landing Harris may be the move the team makes with few solid options left on the open market.
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