One of the biggest names in the NBA set to hit the open market this summer is LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers. Aldridge will get to test the free agent waters and may be more attainable then once thought.
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The consensus seems to be that Aldridge will simply re-sign with the Blazers this summer, but ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne believes the veteran power forward might head elsewhere. Shelburne made an appearance on 710 ESPN’s Mason and Ireland on Wednesday and was asked about what NBA rumors might be floating around. Shelburne said the following about Aldridge’s future:
“I think LaMarcus Aldridge is actually a lot more in play than people think.
“You have that group there. How can you really improve that group up in Portland? I think Neil [Olshey] has done a great job up there, but it’s Portland, he’s never quite fit in and they’ve made it really clear that Damian Lillard is the face of their franchise.”
If Aldridge is attainable as Shelburne suggests, it’d be safe to assume the Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in his services this summer. Aldridge is arguably one of the best power forwards in the game today with potentially a lot of basketball left in him.
All the rumors surrounding the Lakers intentions heading into the off-season have the team targeting Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic in free agency, but Aldridge could become a priority if truly there for the taking.
Aldridge is having yet another solid season for the Blazers averaging 23.4 points (career-high) and 10.3 rebounds per game in 68 games played this season. Aldridge, Greg Monroe and Marc Gasol will be the most sought after frontcourt players on the open market come July with all three set to become unrestricted free agents as of July 1.
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