The Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly sign DeAndre Jordan to a one-year, $2.6 million contract for the 2021-22 NBA season after the Detroit Pistons complete a buyout agreement with the veteran center. With the Lakers having Russell Westbrook now with LeBron Jamesand Anthony Davis, they have become a real destination for ring chasing free agents like Jordan.
Jordan was traded to the Pistons on Friday in part of a luxury tax clearing move by the Brooklyn Nets. One that will save the franchise $46 million in spending. He was dealt along with four future second-round picks in exchange for Jahlil Okafor and Sekou Doumbouya.
The Nets no longer need Jordan as they have landed Paul Millsap in free agency and soon will sign LaMarcus Aldridge amid his NBA comeback efforts.
Jordan, 33, averaged 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game last season but failed to make much of an impact beyond the box score. His rim protection has fallen off a cliff and he’s incapable of playing out in space on defense. In fact, there are numerous instances where he doesn’t even attempt to pressure a shot attempt in the paint or run out to shooters. So he isn’t expected to help the Lakers much.
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The Lakers already have pulled off an impressive haul of one-year ring chasing veterans that includes the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Wayne Ellington, Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo. Jordan would join the mix.
Where the situation with Jordan gets particularly is interesting is that Marc Gasol doesn’t appear to have much place going forward with the Lakers. He has also been particularly washed up but could find himself moving to another contender in need of a stretch-five with passing skills.
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Even if Gasol were to be moved, DeAndre Jordan would not easily come by playing time with the Lakers given how Dwight Howard is slotted to be the top center option aside from Anthony Davis.
The Los Angeles Lakers project as being one of the top NBA title contenders after making the trade to bring in Russell Westbrook to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
