DeAndre Jordan Returns to Los Angeles

After a three-year stint with the Brooklyn Nets, DeAndre Jordan has returned to Los Angeles this time in a Lakers uniform. Following numerous rumors of the Nets potentially buying out his contract, the team ultimately decided to trade him to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for center Jahlil Okafor, forward Sekou Doumbouya, and four future second-round draft picks. When examining the trade, the Pistons can be seen as early winners considering they moved an expiring contract in Okafor, a former lottery pick who was not going to improve any further in Doumbouya and assets for future trades or prospects in the draft. For the Nets, the trade allowed the team to move on from a massive contract, reduce their luxury tax bill, and provide an opportunity to later resign LaMarcus Aldridge. 

On the sidelines, however, were the Los Angeles Lakers who were looking for players to fill the last two spots on their 15 man roster. Several days ago the Lakers signed a familiar face in Rajon Rondo, who was one of the key players on the 2020 LA Lakers NBA championship team. Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski later hinted that once Jordan’s contract was bought out by Detroit, the Lakers would become “serious contenders” to sign him to a veteran minimum contract. The next day the Lakers then indeed signed DeAndre Jordan to a contract making him the 14th player on the roster leaving only one available spot left. 

Overall, for the Lakers, the acquisition of DeAndre Jordan provides depth at the center position, a potential starter at the five, a veteran, and energy on the court. Laker fans should look for Jordan to have the same role McGee and Howard had in 2020 as a rim protector and lob threat.

Lastly, although the Lakers continue to sign “washed” veterans to the roster. They will still ask the media to “keep that same energy” heading into a questionable yet promising season.