NBA Rumors: Will LaMarcus Aldridge Leave Portland?

Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge will enter this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. He’s made himself one of Portland’s all-timers and most consider him a lock to return, but some teammates feel differently, according to Jason Quick of the Oregonian.

"“Some Blazers players have already said they are worried free agency will take Aldridge away from Portland this summer. Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50.”"

It’s important to point out Quick uses the next few paragraphs to list reasons he believes Aldridge will stay. The Blazers can offer more money than competing teams and his feeling comfortable in Portland seem most relevant. If the Blazers continue to get handled by the Memphis Grizzlies as they did Sunday, though, Aldridge might start seeing greener pastures elsewhere.

Los Angeles Lakers fans have grown accustomed to Aldridge similarly handling their team. Mitch Kupchak and the Buss family will have to do their due diligence and try to convince Aldridge that Los Angeles offers him a better chance to win regularly.

In terms of roster fit, he’d work nicely alongside Julius Randle for stretches, though Aldridge has always maintained he prefers to play alongside a true center, so as to avoid the punishment that goes along with playing down low, in the post.

50/50 sounds like pretty extreme odds on Aldridge departing this summer. Smart money is on a return. There are plenty of variables at hand, and one thing we’ve learned in free agency- especially in recent years is to expect the unexpected.

Next: Lakers Free Agency Profile: LaMarcus Aldridge

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