3. LaMarcus Aldridge
When LaMarcus Aldridge opted out of his contract in 2015, determined to leave behind his Portland years and looking for a fresh new start that allowed him to conquer his first championship, he rightfully chose the San Antonio Spurs over the rebuilding Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers were among the most prominent suitors of the All-Star forward, but a young roster dealing with Kobe Bryant’s injury was not an attractive situation for a player who just left his team after multiple first-round exits and playoff-less seasons.
Choosing San Antonio looked like the most sensible choice at that moment. But, what did it lead to? Four more playoff eliminations, half of them in the first round, a struggling first year trying to adjust to an undesired role Gregg Popovich wanted him to play, and finally watching Leonard leave the team, putting an end to their championship aspirations.
I am not saying LA was apparently giving Aldridge a better chance at the title but had he chose the Lakers, things could have gone differently.
The purple and gold would have hopefully been able to quickly shape the roster around him and a decaying Bryant, with free agents such as DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler available that same year, and a new class of free agents the following one. Plus the chance to trade the young promising players on the roster for more immediate help.
In the end, the Lakers are always going to find a way to build a contending team. In two years they could have become a contender and maybe deliver that ring LaMarcus is still coveting.