Los Angeles Lakers: 2 reasons to prioritize LaMarcus Aldridge over all else
By Jason Reed
1. LaMarcus Aldridge gives the Los Angeles Lakers frontcourt much more flexibility
It is easy to make the case for the Los Angeles Lakers to add a big man even with Marc Gasol on the roster. It is not a guarantee that Gasol is on the team for the 2021-22 season and the Lakers could even trade him if they so please. Without Gasol there definitely is a need, with Gasol it is still a good area to look at adding to.
Personally, I would like to see the team add a traditional four before they add another center. While a Jordan signing would still be a net-positive, the Lakers would get more if they signed Aldridge to essentially be the backup power forward.
This opens the door for Anthony Davis to play more center, which he should be doing anyway, giving the Lakers a big frontcourt that can still space the floor. Right now, the best options for the power forward position while Davis is at the five is Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza. Those options are fine but they can be better.
Aldridge is a traditional four that can help bang down low, score in the post and get rebounds. However, he is also someone that can help stretch the floor with his jump shot, giving the Lakers a really dynamic pairing with him and Davis in the frontcourt.
Better yet, if the Lakers need someone to log minutes at the five, even with Carmelo or Ariza on the floor, Aldridge is a good option. He can effectively do both.