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NBA Rumors: Confidence in signing LaMarcus Aldridge led to Lakers taking D’Angelo Russell

By Jack Crosby

April 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Lakers drafted D’Angelo Russell on Thursday night and they did so because of a specific free agency reason

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The Los Angeles Lakers were up with the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday night, and in a move that shocked some, they took dynamic point guard D’Angelo Russell over big man Jahlil Okafor, who was also available. The move had some wondering what the motive was for this specific pick, and apparently is has something to do with the Lakers believing that they can strike gold in free agency.


That would definitely explain why the Lakers would go with some backcourt help as opposed to some help down low, even if it might end up being a gamble.

Although, over the course of the past 24 hours it’s been made pretty apparent that the Lakers plan on addressing their situation down low through free agency. Wednesday night was when the news broke that they had been having discussions with the Kings about a possible deal for DeMarcus Cousins.

With that more or less being shot down, though, the attention does now turn to Aldridge, who reportedly told the Trail Blazers on Thursday that he would not be returning to the team next season. Off of those reports came word that the Lakers had jumped to the front of the line for his services this summer.

When all is said and done, if the Lakers can land LaMarcus Aldridge and Russell does end up panning out as the player many think he can be…the jokes about the team may be coming to an end soon.

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