The Los Angeles Lakers' campaign for last season can be characterized as a rousing success. The organization won the Larry O'Brien and the only way to go is to shoot for the club's 18th NBA championship. And there will be roster upgrades to expect.
To be sure, LeBron James and Anthony Davis made the Lakers a winner the last time and the pair will continue to do so in the seasons to come. But Purple & Gold can use another element that will make the squad even more potent.
Somebody in the mold of LaMarcus Aldridge would be the best fit, according to Fansided's Jonathan Kiernan.
The San Antonio Spurs joining up with James and AD will surely add more depth to the Lakers' bench. The two superstars will gain more space to operate and the Lakers big men - Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee - will be treated with more respect because Aldridge is on the floor, Kiernan wrote.
"For his size and position, LaMarcus Aldridge is an exceptional shooter ... He is way too consistent from deep for teams not to give him respect from outside ... Aldridge can also step in and allow Davis to cook from the outside also," Fadeaway World reported the analyst as saying.
To get Aldridge to Los Angeles, the Lakers will need to put together a package that will catch the eyes of San Antonio. The trade would entail Frank Vogel releasing Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, and McGee. And if the Spurs will continue to be under Gregg Popovich, the package from LA will surely be of interest to the veteran coach.
But the question is: Is it worth the trouble trading for Aldridge, who is already 35?
Basing on the records, the USA Today said the big man is considered one of the best mid-range shooters in the NBA. And his size indicates that he can do more than shooting. And one bonus for the Lakers - Aldridge's deal with San Antonio will expire in 2021 so if things would not work out, it will be an easy exit for both parties.
It's interesting to note as well that Aldridge continues to attract attention. Per the same report, if the Lakers will pass up on the star the Philadelphia 76ers will only be willing to make a move.
For the Lakers, Aldridge should prove more of an asset than a liability. The guy can be trusted in any situation and more so during the clutch moments. His presence with the Lakers will make life easier for James and Davis. And if reports are to be believed, Aldridge has been wanting to see playtime outside of San Antonio and it's best he brings his game next to Los Angeles.
