Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Team Should Go All In on DeAndre Jordan

When 2015 NBA Free Agency kicks off, there will be a number of teams vying for the affection of Los Angeles Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan. One of those teams expected to make a big push for his services is the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that desperately needs to upgrade at center before the 2015-16 season gets under way.

Jordan, an unrestricted free agent, has hinted at a return to the Clippers being his ideal scenario this offseason, but that doesn’t mean he’s committed to staying with a team that thoroughly disappointed during Round 2 of the 2015 NBA Playoffs. Another team that offers the right situation and amount of money could realistically lure him away from the Clippers.

That team could be the Lakers, who possess an outstanding amount of cap space to work with heading into free agency. Not only would they be able to offer Jordan a max contract, but he’d be able to join a storied franchise on its way back up while staying in the city he’s spent his entire NBA career in. Plus, he could realistically become the new “face of the franchise” (or at least one of them) with Kobe Bryant set to retire soon.

What’s more is the Lakers appear ready to make a serious push to steal Jordan from their crosstown rivals, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

“The Dallas Mavericks are expected to make a strong push for Jordan, who would essentially be a younger version of the Mavs’ current defensive anchor Tyson Chandler. The Lakers would likewise love to steal Jordan away from their Staples Center rival.”

The Lakers already have a quality big man in Jordan Hill, but he isn’t the dominant glass cleaner that Jordan is. If the Lakers were to bring in the Clippers’ center, they could use Hill as a trade chip in order to bring in another big name as they begin their rise back to relevance.

Jordan can get the most money and years from the Clippers, but they might not be willing to give him the max considering their tight financial situation. That opens up a big door for teams like the Mavericks and Lakers to swoop in and steal the big man. If the Lakers are smart, they’ll do everything within their power to convince Jordan to cross sides and join the Purple and Gold.