4. DeAndre Jordan
An even newer potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers is DeAndre Jordan. Rondo did not seem like a realistic target two weeks ago, Jordan was not even on the radar two days ago. However, new reports have Jordan’s future in Brooklyn up in the air.
Alex Schiffer of The Athletic reported that based on the information he has been hearing that he would be shocked if Jordan was with the Nets during training camp or the start of the start of the season. His departure seems likely, whether it is via trade or buyout.
A trade is unlikely with a buyout being the most likely outcome. And if Jordan is bought out we have multiple reasons to believe that it is a lock that he would sign with the Lakers. The stars are simply aligning.
As mentioned with Aldridge, the Lakers really could use another big, although the fit would not be as perfect with Jordan. The Lakers would be adding to the center position which would seemingly take away Davis’ minutes at the five.
That is fine in the regular season and Davis can still play a fair amount at center with Jordan in town, especially if Marc Gasol does not return. Even with Gasol, the Lakers could be able to space the floor with Gasol at the five and Davis at the four and then have two rim-protecting options in Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan.
Just based on roster fit it seems more likely that the Lakers would prefer Aldridge over Jordan but Jordan is still better than the other free-agent center options.