The Lakers met with LaMarcus Aldridge tonight. So, to quote my parents after any date in high school: How’d it go?
Related: Who is the best free agent for the Lakers?
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, it went…
The Lakers meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge went almost two hours. Source in the room said it went "really well"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 1, 2015
So, given that news, it’s hard not to be excited about the possibilities. Aldridge was reportedly already leaning toward signing in Los Angeles, and if the meeting went as well as it sounds, the Lakers might actually be back on the map.
I repeat: The Lakers might not stink again for a long, long time!
In attendance tonight were Kobe Bryant, James Worthy, Mitch Kupchak, Jim and Jeannie Buss. You have to think Bryant spoke about what it means to carry this franchise. Aldridge was probably promised other elite free agent help down the line, as next season, the Lakers promise to have roughly $40 million in spending money. Worthy could mention how succeeded in LA typically means extra attention and the rewards (All Star appearances, Headlines, etc.) that come with it.
Another interesting topic might’ve been why it didn’t work between Kobe and Dwight Howard. If I was an Aldridge representative that’s one of the first questions I’d have for the Lakers. The answer should be pretty simple: Howard was an immature star who hoped to have the city handed over to him and all Bryant expects is something close to his insane work ethic.
If Aldridge buys that response, and the rest of the meeting went swimmingly, man, this season is going to be a ton of fun. No, they aren’t immediately a lock to make the playoffs. But you know what they I feel pretty confident in guaranteeing? No more trips to the top of the draft for a little while.