The race is on for LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency. With Kevin Love presumably off the market as he stresses his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Aldridge becomes a top target for a number of teams. It continues to be reported that Aldridge has one foot out the door in Portland, but only one team is gaining on him in free agency.
According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, the Dallas Mavericks have the best chance of pulling Aldridge away from the Trail Blazers. The forward has been linked to the Spurs, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, but the Mavericks have the young team and hometown aspect that Aldridge could be looking for. It is certainly no guarantee that Aldridge is looking at the Mavericks in free agency, but right now they stand the best shot according to NBA sources.
So where does that leave teams like the Lakers? Entering free agency, the Lakers had Aldridge and Love at the top of their list of potential prospects. As they try and build a team for Kobe Bryant's final year, those two were viewed as the best options. However, now they must look elsewhere. According to the Los Angeles Times, a max contract for Jimmy Butler is on the list if he leaves the Chicago Bulls. The restricted free agent wants a top deal which the Bulls have been hesitant to offer.
Rajon Rondo could also become a target again. The point guard is not entering free agency on the best note after a roller coaster stint with the Dallas Mavericks. However, that is not throwing as many teams off his tail as originally assumed. Rondo confirmed that Bryant has been pushing for him to head to the west coast. The Lakers could use a veteran point guard to pair with Jordan Clarkson. With Love and Aldridge off the list, Rondo's contract would be easy to take on.
The Lakers have a chance to really build for the future in the coming months. With the No.2 pick in the NBA Draft, they are likely to either grab Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor which will really push their defensive and rebounding efforts. A player like Butler or Rondo will help stabilize the shooting while players like Julius Randle return healthy after missing his entire rookie season. The Lakers are not trying to build around Bryant, but adding talent in what might be his final year will help in the bounce back season.