Steven Adams would look fantastic in purple and gold. The problem is the Houston Rockets think Adams looks a little too good in red to let him put on another jersey so easily.
Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported, "Veterans Steven Adams, Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate will be unrestricted free agents as of June 30 — but of the trio, Adams is seen as the clear priority, team sources told The Athletic."
Iko explained that Adams' 'career revival' and 'becoming a critical part of the late-season rotation' has made the veteran center 'arguably Houston's top priority.' The indication from the NBA reporter was that the former lottery pick has a desire to stay with the Rockets too, or so they hope.
"The Rockets are operating under the assumption Adams wants to return — and will continue to speak with his representation about a possible extension, team sources said," Iko concluded.
Adams' potential (lack of) availability serves brutal blow to offseason plans
Watching Adams play an impactful role off the bench for the Rockets this postseason surely inspired some intrigue for the Los Angeles Lakers. With the veteran big man set to hit unrestricted free agency, a juicy option presented itself for Rob Pelinka.
Iko said it himself in his report, "The possibility of Adams being lured away by a playoff team exists."
The Athletic writer even cited the Lakers as a 'natural fit' among a list that also included the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Clippers. Clearly, there is a belief that Adams is viewed as in demand ahead of the 2025 free agency period.
There is some silver lining to this situation for Los Angeles. If Adams had his stock rise high enough to the level of the Lakers being forced to use their mid-level exception on him, it would have limited their financial ability to solve other major roster concerns.
Make no mistake about it, the Lakers need a backup center pretty badly. Getting 48 minutes of quality center play is a shift the team must make for the 2025-26 season. However, so is adding 3-point shooting, wing defense, and other concerns of the sort.
The decision of what to do with the Lakers' mid-level exception will be one of the most important of the offseason. Pelinka would be better off finding a backup option that is willing to come to Los Angeles on a veteran minimum.