The Los Angeles Lakers were given two separate meetings with top free agent, LaMarcus Aldridge, but general manager Mitch Kupchak and part-owner Jim Buss, couldn’t close the deal, as Aldridge announced on Thursday that he would be signing with the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers were hoping to convince Aldridge to become the centerpiece of the organization after Kobe Bryant retires, but the Spurs ended up being a much more attractive option to the 29-year-old power forward.

With Aldridge off the board the free agent market is pretty weak when it comes to big men, with David West being the top rated power forward and JaVale McGee the top center. Neither of those two guys would give the Lakers what they need, which is a consistent rebounder and rim protector.

The Lakers have had talks with the Sacramento Kings about trading for DeMarcus Cousins, who would be the ideal fit for the team. Although it seems unlikely that the Kings will end up trading him because of the power struggle happening between George Karl and the front office, Cousins would give the Lakers a low-post threat offensively that the team hasn’t had since Pau Gasol‘s glory years. The Lakers should explore every avenue for a trade for Cousins, before moving on to other options.

There are reports coming out now that the Lakers could have interest in another big man, Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert. Although Hibbert tends to not play up to his size at times, his sheer size would give the Lakers a defensive presence in the middle that the team sorely missed last season. Bryant’s presence could also light a fire under Hibbert, who has been a bit of a disappointment throughout his career.

If Buss and Kupchak can’t pull off a trade for Cousins, then Hibbert would be a better option than anything the Lakers currently have on their roster or on the free agent market. The Lakers have failed miserably to this point in free agency, so trading for Hibbert or Cousins would help the front office save some face.

Jason Fletcher is Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.