The Los Angeles Lakers are running out of chances to land a big name in free-agency. Free-agent targets Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love, Draymond Green, and DeMarre Carroll have already verbally committed to a contract. There are also reports that LaMarcus Aldridge has ruled out the Lakers, as they failed to provide a good pitch for him at their presentation.

Now that the Lakers have thrown away some big opportunities, they must go all out on Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, if they want to be a threat. Jordan is coming off the best season of his NBA career. The 26-year-old center averaged 11.5 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks last season. Jordan led the league in rebounds and field-goal percentage, and he finished fourth in blocks. Jordan’s 71 percent FG% is the second highest mark in a season in NBA history.

Jordan would be a huge piece for the Lakers, as he will immediately change the defense singlehandedly. Landing Jordan won’t make the Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies on defense, but they will vastly improve. Jordan was a member of the NBA All-Defensive team this year.

Pairing Jordan alongside Julius Randle would work perfectly. Randle is a good offensive player who can be bailed out defensively by Jordan. Randle can go inside and out offensively, and he also has good playmaking ability which can give Jordan lots of lob dunks.

The Lakers already have a terrific backcourt with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Kobe Bryant, but they are missing a defensive presence inside.

If the Lakers sign Jordan they won’t be a championship team just yet, but they will be in the mix for one of the last few playoff spots in a loaded Western Conference.

 

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @george51391, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google