The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly could pursue either Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge or Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo in free agency this summer. Larry Coon of Basketball Insiders reports the Lakers could have around $26.2 million in cap space to sign a big-name free agent to a max contract.
While the Lakers believe they have a playoff-caliber team now, many fans are already looking ahead to free agency this summer. A number of players could become free agents in July if they don't reach new deals with their respective teams, and Coon believes the Lakers are poised to make a big splash in the market.
"Next summer, assuming they don't pick up a team option on Jordan Hill, they could have about $26.2 million in cap space, which is enough to go after a max-level player," Coon wrote Thursday. "Technically LeBron James can become a free agent again, as can Kevin Love (although at this point the default assumption has to be that both will stay in Cleveland). There's also LaMarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo, and a handful of guys on rookie contracts who may not be extended."
James and Love aren't headed to Los Angeles, and most signs point to Aldridge staying in Portland. Rondo, though, is a possibility. He and Celtics president Danny Ainge have indicated they want to remain together beyond this season, but many believe if Rondo isn't traded before February he will test the market in July.
Another name to keep an eye on is Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic, who can opt out of his contract this summer. He indicated he wanted to remain in Phoenix, but it's uncertain if the Suns would be willing to offer him a big contract after signing Eric Bledsoe last month.
