After suffering the worst win percentage in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to improve their roster via the NBA Draft or free agency. With potentially three draft picks and as much as $28 million projected in cap space, the franchise looks to take the next step in their rebuilding process this off-season.
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Earlier in April, ESPN reported that LaMarcus Aldridge is ‘a lot more in play than people think’ in free agency. After the Portland Trail Blazers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, his teammates have said they are worried Aldridge will leave in free agency according to Jason Quick of The Oregonian:
Some Blazers players have already said they are worried free agency will take Aldridge away from Portland this summer. Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50.
Since being traded to the Blazers at the 2006 NBA Draft, Aldridge has established himself as one of the best power forwards in the NBA. While the franchise has constructed a championship contender these last couple of seasons, Portland has failed to find success in the postseason.
For the Lakers, the franchise has the ability to add one max contract player beginning on July 1. While there have been reports surrounding Kevin Love coming to Los Angeles, Aldridge appears to be an option this off-season.
In 71 games this season, Aldridge averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds.
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