3 Veterans LA Lakers can still pursue in 2021 NBA Free Agency

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#2 Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala #28 reacts after a dunk.

Andre Iguodala is another veteran free agent who the LA Lakers are reportedly pursuing. According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the three-time NBA champion’s choices are down to three teams.

“I’m told 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala has narrowed his playing choices down to the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers,” Charania said.

As an 18-year vet, Iguodala is merely looking to add to his championship jewelry rather than getting paid handsomely, especially since he’s already way past his heyday. The last time he contributed to a title team was with the Golden State Warriors three years ago.

Lakers have veteran leadership with LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard. Andre Iguodala would fit well in LA because of his championship experience during the regular season he shared with me what he learned from vets during his early days with the Philadelphia 76ers. pic.twitter.com/TJranlvpd4

— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson 📍 (@ScoopB) August 6, 2021

The LA Lakers need his championship experience and ability as a lockdown defender to slow down some of the best wing players in the league. Though he doesn’t shoot the 3-pointer as well as some 3-and-D players, he is known to knock one down during clutch situations.

Iguodala would be invaluable to the LA Lakers should they face teams with players like Brandon Ingram, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo in the postseason.

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#1 LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge #21 reacts during the first half.

This last veteran is actually retired at the moment, but LaMarcus Aldridge is seriously considering a return to NBA action next season, per recent reports. The power forward-center last played for the Brooklyn Nets until he prematurely retired following irregular heartbeat issues last season, when he averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

ESPN Sources: After medical consultation, seven-time All-Star F LaMarcus Aldridge is seriously considering a return to the NBA this season. Aldridge retired with Brooklyn in mid-April with heart concerns, but is exploring the possibility of resuming his 15-year career.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2021

The LA Lakers were reportedly vying for his services last March after he was bought out by the San Antonio Spurs. If he’s medically cleared to play, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka should give him a call once again.

As one might expect, Aldridge is likely looking to win his first NBA title and the LA Lakers are well positioned to give him that opportunity.

Aldridge would be an ideal big man to play behind or alongside Davis. The 15-year veteran can play facing the basket and has extended his range to the 3-point arc, making him the perfect player to play on the LA Lakers who need his outside shooting.

Furthermore, Aldridge can play with his back to the basket and score inside the paint. The LA Lakers covet this type of versatility as an inside and outside threat from a big man who also has a lot of experience playing in the postseason.

Needless to say, if the LA Lakers ever find out that Aldridge will indeed make a comeback, they should make him their No. 1 priority to pursue.

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