The Los Angeles Lakers received the rarest of opportunities Thursday night: a second chance.
The Lakers were granted a second chance to impress free agent LaMarcus Aldridge in a meeting that lasted about 90 minutes, ESPN reported. Los Angeles had scrambled for a second shot after learning that their first presentation to the star power forward had not gone over as well as they had thought. Aldridge was reportedly looking for more of a basketball discussion while the Lakers seemed intent on selling him on the off-court business and marketing opportunities of Los Angeles.
"One source with knowledge of both meetings said it took more than an hour before the Lakers laid out a vision for rebuilding their roster and how Aldridge fit into that in the first meeting," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne wrote. "The presentation also was wholly lacking in analytics, which appeared even worse after the analytics-minded Houston Rockets followed them into the room Tuesday night."
The Lakers requested and were granted a second meeting after learning about Aldridge's lukewarm reaction. One member involved even reportedly apologized to the 29-year-old big man for their lackluster presentation.
Following his meeting with the Lakers, Aldridge had dinner with Miami Heat president Pat Riley. Miami met with him just hours after agreeing to a one-year, $20 million deal with Dwyane Wade. Riley would have to lop off a considerable amount of salary from his pay roll to offer Aldridge a maximum contract offer outright.
The Phoenix Suns are also considered a dark horse for Aldridge's services after signing center Tyson Chandler and clear cap space room.
Portland Trailer Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, who recently agreed to an extension with the team, is reportedly in L.A. trying to recruit Aldridge to return to the only team he has known in his NBA career.
"The Spurs are regarded as the favorites to sign Aldridge, a source close to the situation told ESPN. However, he is still weighing presentations from the Mavericks, Lakers and Rockets as well as a return to the Trail Blazers and is said to be 'torn' as this process stretches into its third day."
