The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams with an interest in available San Antonio Spurs forward/center LaMarcus Aldridge, according to a report from The Athletic.
Part of the season for this, per Amick, is because the Lakers seemingly are entirely satisfied with the play of current center Marc Gasol, signed in the offseason.
Earlier, FortyEightMinutes sources told our Chris Crouse that the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls will also be in the mix for Aldridge — who is staying on the sidelines while the Spurs seek a trade.
Meanwhile, the Lakers seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach, The Athletic noted.
“Sources say they’re in the market for another big, in large part because the Marc Gasol experience hasn’t gone as well as hoped,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote. “And when you’re a reigning champion who sees all these other squads looking capable of stealing your crown, it’s never a bad idea to load up on options. But, first, we have to wait and see if this is going to be a trade or a buyout.“
Aldridge, 35, is averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds — his lowest in both areas since his rookie year. He is in the final year of a $24 million contract.
Meanwhile, Gasol signed a two-year deal with the Lakers during the offseason. He is averaging 4.8 points and 4.1 boards, and has been only minimally effective.
