With NBA free agency less than 24 hours away from starting, the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of irons in the fire. After drafting D'Angelo Russell, the team could head a number of directions as they look to acquire premier players to help ease the transition past Kobe Bryant. However, that does not mean the star is not being active in the recruiting process as Bryant has called several players heading into the offseason about signing on with the Lakers.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Bryant has called both DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge as both players prepare to meet with Lakers officials about a free agency deal. Aldridge will be meeting with the Lakers first while Jordan will be there following a meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. Bryant could be present at both meeting to act as a recruiting tool. Despite retirement looming for the veteran, he is the best asset the Lakers have to sell people on coming to Los Angeles.
Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times believes that Aldridge actually favors a contract with the Lakers over heading back home to Texans with either the Spurs or Mavericks. Bolch writes that Aldridge will find the young backcourt of Russell and Jordan Clarkson will be appealing considering they will be around for years to come while Julius Randle is healthy and expected to be a top prospect moving forward. The Lakers also have the salary cap space to sign either Aldridge or Jordan to a top contract which both are gunning for.
The Lakers have been linked to several deals since the offseason started. The team was reportedly active in trying to acquire DeMarcus Cousins. Without the No.2 draft pick, the Lakers are likely to miss out on that opportunity. The Miami Herald is reporting that after opting out of his contract with the Heat, Dwyane Wade could be a viable option for the Lakers while Monta Ellis is also interested.
With the point guard position wrapped up, the top concern for the Lakers is acquiring a big man to anchor the defense. Competition is high for both Jordan and Aldridge, but the Lakers have one of the more appealing rosters to join in terms of young talent. The question is whether or not they are ready to win now like the Spurs or Mavericks are.