Heading into free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers had high hopes of landing an All-Star frontcourt player. After selecting D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, LaMarcus Aldridge emerged as the leading candidate for the storied franchise.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
Although the Lakers met with Aldridge twice in free agency, the All-Star forward has decided to leave the Portland Trail Blazers for the San Antonio Spurs according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski:
Free agent LaMarcus Aldridge will sign with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2015
In addition, Aldridge will agree to a four-year, $80 million contract:
Aldridge will sign a four-year, $80 million maximum contract with San Antonio, league source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2015
For Aldridge, he was ultimately looking for a team prepared to compete for championships and the Spurs provide the best opportunity for him. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they are still in the beginning stages of the rebuilding process after selecting Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson in the past two drafts.
With free agents re-signing or heading elsewhere, the Lakers will need to explore other options. Similarly to last summer, the Lakers could look to trade for an expiring contract to not only get an additional asset, but preserve cap space for 2016.
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