The Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers are both franchises that have become attractive destinations for players during the last few seasons: Currently, both franchises are in win-now mode with a top-tier superstar leading the charge. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are both appealing players to play with, as they provide their teams with a chance of winning the championship every season.
As is expected with their status in the NBA community, players are often linked to the two Los Angeles teams, whether through free agency or through trade. Due to their location in Los Angeles and their competing status, any player would at least consider looking at the two Los Angeles franchises. Often, when choosing their destinations, players have both of those teams on their mind, but end up only picking one. Here are 3 players that could end up picking between the two Los Angeles teams.
3. Andre Drummond
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been looking for a trade for Andre Drummond, but if they can’t find one, Drummond will likely be bought out. There have been plenty of teams that have shown interest in Drummond, and both Los Angeles teams are on the list.
On the Los Angeles Lakers, Andre Drummond would immediately fill one of the needs on the roster. Andre Drummond would provide an athletic rim protector with size, filling Dwight Howard’s role defensively from last season. He would also be able to provide some instant offense on the interior, which would be good for the Lakers with Anthony Davis currently sidelined. Drummond would be an elite two-way player for the Lakers.
On the Los Angeles Clippers, Drummond may become the piece that pushes them over the top. Andre Drummond is an immediate upgrade over Ivica Zubac, as he provides more scoring and better rebounding. Andre Drummond could potentially mesh well with the Los Angeles Clippers, and having a roster full of elite shooters would allow him to have the spacing to thrive inside.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge is in a similar situation to Andre Drummond. Aldridge is on an expiring contract and has been away from the San Antonio Spurs while they look to trade him away. Obviously, if the Spurs cannot find a trade for Aldridge, he will get bought out. If Aldridge ends up hitting free agency post-buyout, then the Los Angeles teams could be an appealing option.
The Los Angeles Lakers would allow LaMarcus Aldridge to play a defined role: Aldridge would be there for defense and floor spacing while carrying a minor offensive role due to all the other offensive firepower on the team. Playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis would give Aldridge a real chance to win a championship, and that could entice the veteran big man.
If he joins the Los Angeles Clippers, LaMarcus Aldridge would be a low-risk signing that could potentially become the third option on their roster. Aside from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the roster isn’t doing amazing scoring-wise. LaMarcus Aldridge could provide that inside scoring presence, while still being able to play off their superstars. The addition of a former All-Star is never bad, and for the Clippers, it could be a low-cost talent upgrade.
1. Myles Turner
Myles Turner is currently leading the league in blocks. Myles Turner is definitely in the running for DPOY this season and would be a great addition to any roster that is trying to win a championship. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are both among teams interested in Myles Turner. The Indiana Pacers have a good front office, and perhaps they could ask Turner which team he would prefer to be traded to. There are times teams do in fact take players’ desires into account.
If the Los Angeles Lakers managed to acquire Myles Turner, then he would slot right into the rotation when the Los Angeles Lakers go big. Myles Turner’s game is uniquely tailored well to play with a passing superstar like LeBron James: he can space the floor, while also being an aerial lob threat. Turner would be a complementary player on the offensive end while being transcendent on defense next to Anthony Davis.
On the Los Angeles Clippers, Myles Turner would also be paired with superstars. He could space the floor for Kawhi Leonard’s drives while protecting the rim on the defensive end. While the Clippers don’t have an elite playmaker like LeBron James, Turner would have the opportunity to potentially establish himself as the primary big man for the Clippers, leading to a larger role on the team.
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