With the five straight losses to start the season, trade rumors and free agency speculation has started to swirl in Los Angeles. Although the trade rumors circulating about Kobe Bryant are a bit farfetched, there are a few free agents that might be attainable next summer.
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According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Rajon Rondo will be a target for the Lakers in free agency:
Several rival executives believe the Lakers will make a strong run at Rondo next summer, and it’s easy to see why. Rondo is young (28), plays a critical position and shares the same win-at-all-bleeping-cost attitude as Bryant. The Celtics are rebuilding and have a young playmaker in Marcus Smart, which may limit their desire to hand Rondo max money.
Along with Rondo, a few other big-name free agents will become available come July. LaMarcus Aldridge will lead the free agent class with Rondo being a close second followed by Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan and Greg Monroe.
The best pairing for Lakers in free agency might be Rondo and Aldridge. All indications seem to point to Aldridge returning to the Portland Trail Blazers, but the bright lights of Los Angeles might be intriguing for the All-Star forward next summer.
Although Aldridge will likely be a free agent target for Los Angeles, Rondo could be the most attainable for the Lakers in free agency. Ideally, Mitch Kupchak and company will target two big-name players to bring in alongside Kobe in the last year of his contract.
Fortunately, even though the Lakers are struggling and are likely headed toward another disappointing end to the season, there will be options to improve in the off-season.
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