Los Angeles Lakers: 5 free agents to target this summer

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

No. 5: DeAndre Jordan

DeAndre Jordan is the only member of the big three left in the wake of the destruction of Lob City. After the Clippers traded for Marcin Gortat earlier this week it seems like he is on his way out of town as well.

Jordan has the option to opt out of his contract and sign with another team this offseason. The Lakers could look into bringing him in as their last resort if they do not land the big stars that they are after.

Jordan would actually be a solid fit for the Lakers and would help them out tremendously defensively. Last season Brook Lopez was their primary rim protector, and he could be on his way out as an unrestricted free agent. Jordan is a far superior shot blocker and would continue the trend of the Lakers improving on defense.

Offensively, Jordan would not be able to stretch the floor like Lopez, but he is a better finisher and more explosive in the paint. He is one of the best lob targets in the entire NBA and he would give Lonzo Ball someone to work with off the pick and roll.

He would be a major upgrade as a rebounder as well, something the Lakers are desperate for. Last season Julius Randle led the team with eight rebounds per game something Jordan could do in his sleep. He averaged 15.2 boards a game for the Clippers last season for comparison.

Astoundingly at ten seasons, Jordan has played with the Clippers longer than anyone in NBA history. Now his run as the team’s franchise center could be coming to end, but he could still end up in LA.