NBA rumors: Should the Lakers trade for LaMarcus Aldridge?

With LaMarcus Aldridge mutually parting ways with the San Antonio Spurs, are the Los Angeles Lakers a likely landing spot?

Prior to Wednesday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich announced that forward LaMarcus Aldridge and the team have agreed to mutually part ways. Unlike Blake Griffin’s exit from the Detroit Pistons, the Spurs reportedly expect to find a trade partner for Aldridge’s services and would not need to buyout his contract.

There are no doubt going to be plenty of teams in the market for Aldridge, as they hope his presence can help their chances of contending for the NBA championship. But should the Los Angeles Lakers chase Aldridge?

Lakers: LaMarcus Aldridge an option for Los Angeles after Spurs exit?

A trade for Aldridge can essentially be ruled out for the Lakers. Sure, they own four second-round picks from 2023 until 2027, but they would have to take on Aldridge’s $24 million salary this season. The only way they would be able to add Aldridge is if he is completely bought out of his contract.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reports that the Lakers, along with the Brooklyn Nets, are the frontrunners for Cleveland Cavaliers big man Andre Drummond. But that is only if Drummond is, you guessed it, bought out from his deal. Drummond carries a $28.8 million salary this season, which will minimize any return the Cavs would hope to receive.

Aldridge has played in 21 games for the Spurs this season, and is averaging 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 46.4-percent from the field.

The Lakers would like to add a big man like Aldridge to their roster in hopes that would help them come playoff time, especially with Anthony Davis sidelined indefinitely with a calf injury. But, it does not appear that the Spurs will buy Aldridge out of his contract. In that case, the chances of Aldridge actually donning a Lakers uniform this season are pretty slim.