Los Angeles Lakers: Best-case free agents for final 3 roster spots
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers sign LaMarcus Aldridge with the 13th roster spot
I have previously broken down why the Los Angeles Lakers are more likely to sign a power forward next in a previous article and here they would be getting someone who can not only help log minutes at the four, but can log minutes at the five if needed as well.
While that might not seem as important with Anthony Davis also playing some center, the Lakers’ goal is to keep AD and LeBron’s workloads rather light after the injury-filled 2020-21 season, so we could see LaMarcus Aldridge essentially replace Davis in games that he does not play.
Aldridge was forced to retire early after signing with the Brooklyn Nets last season because of an irregular heartbeat. However, after seeking additional medical advice, Aldridge is reportedly eying an NBA return this offseason.
Aldridge is obviously not the same player he was in his prime, hence why he would be available for the minimum. However, he is still a solid veteran presence that can get you 8-10 points near the rim if needed as well as box out on some rebounds.
He is still serviceable defensively and represents an old brand of basketball at the power forward position. That does not mean that he cannot stretch it out as he worked on his three-point shot as his career progressed to stay relevant in the league.
Over the last two seasons, Aldridge shot 38.8% from three on three attempts per game. Last season, Aldridge averaged 18.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per 36 minutes. That would be exceptional out of a backend rotation guy.