The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the many teams counting down the hours until the end of the 2014-15 season. Closing things out with a whimper, The Lakers are preparing to make free agency their top priority with a wish list of marquee names. While still determining who stays and who goes on the current roster, which players are most likely attainable options for Los Angeles heading into the offseason?
With rumors flying of a potential Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook teamup in the works for Los Angeles, the chances of that actually coming true are slim to none at this moment. Love could be an option if he opts out of his current deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers while Westbrook is only available via a trade which means he is not available. So who is a realistic option for Los Angeles? The case is there for LaMarcus Aldridge.
According to Spotrac.com, the Lakers will have around $20 million to work with in free agency. That is certainly enough for a max contract player and then some. Aldridge could be that max contract player. According to the Los Angeles Times, Aldridge is very much an option for the Lakers, but right now the forward is making no hints as to what his plans are in the offseason. Like most players approaching free agency, Aldridge is making it clear that his focus is on Portland and nowhere else.
"It was flattering to see that I have fans everywhere, that he's so committed to getting me here that he had a jersey made,'' Aldridge said, via the Oregonian. "It's always fun to have moments like that. But I'm in season; I'm locked in. After the season, I will cross that bridge. But right now, I'm just playing basketball.''
While the Lakers like the idea of adding Aldridge for the forward position, the future is not clear as to what the point guard spot looks like. With Jeremy Lin out for the remainder of the season, his future in Los Angeles is over. However, Jordan Clarkson has proved he could be the next-generation star for the Lakers after a successful stint to end the season. It is no secret the Lakers want Rajon Rondo. According to ESPN, the team plans on making him a top priority as Kobe Bryant has already started putting feelers out about the point.
However, is signing Rondo a necessity with Clarkson as a rising star? ESPNLosAngeles.com stresses the Lakers will have to make a decision between the two players. If they feel Clarkson is ready to start at the position, then a max contract should be handed to someone other than Rondo. If there is lingering doubt about Clarkson's potential, the team could trade him in favor of getting Rondo.
