It didn’t take long for the NBA Draft to get its first surprise pick. Once the Lakers picked D’Angelo Russell, the teams following the Lakers were scrambling as their draft board was flipped upside down.
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Since the Lakers went with a guard with the number two pick, they’re going to have to address the front court in free agency. There is plenty of quality big men available in free agency and they have the cap space to bring in a max player.
As soon we enter July, the Lakers will begin talking with free agents. According to Broderick Turner of LA Times, the Lakers will be one of four teams to meet with DeAndre Jordan at his residence:
"The officials said four teams will visit Jordan at home — the Clippers, Lakers, Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks."
Jordan can make the most money by staying with the Clippers, so the Lakers will need to have a great sales pitch in order to lure Jordan away from the Clips. There was rumors that Jordan doesn’t get along with Chris Paul, so the Lakers have that working for them. It may or may not be true, but the Lakers can sell Jordan on being a star with the Lakers, a franchise that has proven they can win championships.
Jordan would be a perfect fit for the Lakers. He would instantaneously make them a much better defensive team. With him at the center position, Julius Randle could play power forward and there is no need to worry about his defensive deficiencies.
It’s going to be an interesting Summer.