USA Today via Reuters
May 15, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from forward Anthony Davis (3) after a foul in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 15, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from forward Anthony Davis (3) after a foul in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers had a busy off-season to say the least. After crashing out of the playoffs in the 2020-21 season, vice president Rob Pelinka just like the 2020 off-season was quick to make some big changes.
Joining the Brooklyn Nets’ bandwagon, the Lakers formed their own big three as they brought in Russell Westbrook. Not only that, they also added some big name veterans like Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony. Despite making so many moves, the Lakers still have three roster spots available.
READ MORE- NBA Free Agency: Lakers Looking To Bring Back Former Player To Add to Wing Rotation
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Lakers eyeing a move for Nets’ DeAndre Jordan in buyout market
After shipping away many of their veterans, the Lakers looked set for the 2020-21 season. But the roster certainly didn’t mesh well and Rob Pelinka has changed his strategy. This time he has brought in familiar faces back to the lineup with the likes of Dwight Howard and Wayne Ellington.
While Howard is a great addition, the center rotation might be in jeopardy as reports of Marc Gasol’s departure have become rampant. Given how uncertain Gasol’s future is the Lakers might be on the lookout for a big man.
Do you want to see the Lakers fill out the roster with Rajon Rondo if he’s bought out? How about DeAndre Jordan? 👀
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— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) August 26, 2021
According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, the Purple and Gold might target rivals Brooklyn Nets’ rotational center DeAndre Jordan. But the biggest variable in this is whether the Nets’ will buyout the center.
Guaranteed to earn $9.8 million, will Jordan be willing to negotiate a buyout? As for the Lakers it is understandable why the Frank Vogel would want a player like DeAndre. One of the biggest factors for the Lakers winning the 2020 title was their defense and rebounding,
With the likes of Howard and McGee playing alongside Anthony Davis, the Lakers out-rebounded most of their opposition. This led to LeBron and Co. getting more second chances and thus more opportunities to score.
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While the signings of Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol for the 2020-21 season looked promising, it didn’t work out to say the least. Clogging up the lane and rarely impacting the defensive end like Howard and McGee, the Purple and Gold struggled defensively.
While the likes of Howard and possibly DeAndre Jordan won’t space the floor, they are much better defensively and in rebounding as well. Will the Lakers be able to convince the veteran center to join their team?
