[ESPN] Sources: Aldridge to start free agency with Lakers, Rockets

TODAY'S NEWS: LA TIMES
Lakers are no longer in the running to sign LaMarcus Aldridge
http://www.latimes.com/sports/laker...lamarcus-aldridge-meeting-20150701-story.html

 

Nothing to scoff at, but nothing worth leaving what he had in Portland, either.

 

I think the only thing holding back LMA from signing with Houston is that he's iffy about playing with Dwight. He has to know Rockets are the best fit for him though. There seemed to be extra animosity between Dwight and LMA everytime Rockets played Portland. But I think it's just their competitive nature. I can't help feeling that if Dwight and LMA have a good talk that LMA will actually end up here.

 

Bledsoe wouldn't be there. They would have to trade him. That line up without Bledsoe just isn't good enough in the West. They would be an 8th seed

 

I know, their pursuit of him along with NY is kind of a joke.

 

There is nothing between Dwight and LMA.

I even think there was a article out stating him and Howard became friends at the allstar game in 2013

 

So I'm assuming we can't trust the trade machine when it comes to sign and trade after the season? The machine doesn't take trade restrictions into account? Because I see a couple of scenarios already that allow us to trade and keep Ariza

 

I'd love to hear a way we could trade and keep Aliza

 

Alizaaaa babyyyyyy

 

Amazing to me how easily the Spurs traded away Splitter to get max money. This is a major lost for Team flexibility. To which I belong.

 

Yeah, it might be their competitive nature. They've played against each other since high school. I googled "LaMarcus Alridge Dwight Howard" and read what they have said about each other. There's definitely respect between the two. They really raise their play to a whole other level when they face each other. It's like two top level fighters going at it. There's mutual respect but they're going to give it their all and talk **** to get into each other's head for a competitive advantage. I think LMA called Howard "a p***y" in a recent game. It's time for them to hug it out and fight for the same team.

LMA on D12:
When asked "Is Dwight Howard the Dwight Howard of old?"
LMA: To me, he is. I think he just plays a different role with this Houston Rockets team. He has more help and he has James Harden, who probably takes a little bit of that burden off of him. He still tries to be dominant down low, he still blocks shots. I think he still does all the things he did when he was in Orlando. I think he’s just has more help now.

D12 on LMA:
During playoffs
“Hopefully he gets off Krypton and comes back to earth in the next couple of days,” Howard said. “But he’s having a helluva series. That shot, that mid-range shot, is something he’s been doing since I played against him in high school. It hasn’t changed. Give him space, he’s going to knock down that shot.”

 

You thought Portland was boring! How is Phoenix any better. Come home and come to the best city in the state!!

Jeez.

 

I agree and SA is definitely more boring than Houston

 

Even if they don't get LMA, they needed to make a move - they like staying below the tax line, and with Leonard about to get maxxed it will make things tricky.

They will want to bring back Green and Duncan and Ginobli and Baynes.

 

...Austin Toros???:grin:

 

They have a real shot at Marc Gasol too

 

No way Gasol leaves Memphis.

 

So, how many teams have met with Aldridge so far? How many to go?

Is this gonna drag on for a while?

 

I think he's done. I would put my money on a decision tomorrow.

 

Report in the cyber thread says he plans additional meetings with three finalists. I would guess those teams would be Spurs, Suns, and us. I'm willing to wait a few more days if we're in the running.