Lakers Rumors: LaMarcus Aldridge A Possible Fit? LA Considering A Trade For Andre Drummond?

With the San Antonio Spurs and LaMarcus Aldridge mutually agreeing to part ways, there’s plenty of speculation over where the power forward might land. Like most marquee names that are available ahead of the March 25 trade deadline, Aldridge is viewed by some as a possible option for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers are trying to add another big man, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, who pegged Los Angeles as a possible Aldridge destination. Between Anthony Davis’ injury and Marc Gasol’s struggles, the defending champs are thin in the frontcourt.

Davis hasn’t played since Feb. 14 because of a calf and Achilles injury and was slated to be out for at least four weeks, though it's unclear if he will be sidelined until April. Gasol is having the least productive season of his 13-year career, with averages of just 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 40.3% from the field.

Aldridge might also be past his prime, but he could be a significant upgrade over Gasol. The 35-year-old is averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in 21 games. Aldridge is shooting 46.4% from the field and 36.0% from 3-point range.

The Spurs believe they can find a trade partner for Aldridge and avoid a buyout, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. That hurts Los Angeles’ chances of acquiring Aldridge, whom they almost certainly don’t have the ability to pick up in a trade. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich may also be reluctant to send a player to the rival Lakers.

San Antonio might have a difficult time making a deal work with any team because of Aldridge’s $24 million salary and declining skills. If Aldridge is still on the Spurs’ roster after the March 25 trade deadline, they could buy out the veteran.

The Lakers would likely be among the favorites to sign Aldridge in free agency.

Aldridge finds himself in a similar position as Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. Both players were sent home as their respective teams tried to trade them and their massive salaries. The Detroit Pistons couldn’t find a taker for Griffin, who was bought out and signed with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are unlikely to trade Drummond.

Drummond could turn out to the big man that the Lakers end up getting. The center is expected to consider the Lakers if he hits the open market.

ESPN’s Chris Haynes said the Lakers have “serious interest” in Drummond if he reaches a contract buyout after the trade deadline. Haynes also noted that the Nets are interested in signing Drummond.

Both Drummond and Aldridge are in the final year of their contracts.

The Lakers reportedly had interest in Griffin when he was free to sign with any team. DeMarcus Cousins has also been linked to L.A.

Aldridge has averaged 19.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game since signing with the Spurs in 2015. The veteran has played in 72 career playoff games and never reached the NBA Finals.