The Lakers’ season may have just begun, but it’s never too early to begin looking at free agency, especially considering the players who did not sign long-term rookie-scale extensions. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus detailed ten players from the 2021 draft class who could enter restricted free agency, as well as their predicted contract size and landing spots. Among those is a young forward the Lakers could have interest in.
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Possible Suitors for Grizzlies First-Round Pick
The Lakers were mentioned as a possible landing spot for Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama, a 23-year-old looking to build off of a strong start to his career. Aldama broke out in Memphis’s season opener, going for 27 points, five rebounds and two assists in a 126-124 win over the Jazz. He shot 10/16 from the field, 5/10 from three and made both of his free-throw attempts. In evaluating Aldama, Pincus wrote:
“Santi Aldama has legit height at 7’0″ but is more of an offensive option than a defensive anchor. He can spread the floor but needs to improve his accuracy (34.9 percent from three last year).
He’s played significant minutes for the injury-ravaged Grizzlies and could stay longer despite the crowded frontcourt (Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke).
Most teams potentially interested in Aldama would have up to the $14.1 million projected non-taxpayer mid-level exception.”
Last season, Aldama appeared in 61 games (35 starts) for Memphis. He averaged 10.7 points (.435/.349/.621 splits), 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26.5 minutes per game. Aldama is also coming off of a strong summer where he played for the Spanish national team in the Paris Olympics and won MVP of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Regarding next summer, Pincus predicted Aldama will receive a contract of three years and $40 million. Other potential suitors include the Nets, Bulls, Warriors and Pacers in addition to a return to Memphis.
Aldama’s Game is Perfect for Redick’s Lakers
On Wednesday, Aldama displayed a knack for scoring at all three levels, but was particularly impressive with his catch-and-shoot threes. Even with power forwards continually adapting and spacing the floor, it’s not every day you find a legit 7-footer with that smooth of a jumper.
Aldama has a perfect blend of size and shooting that would benefit the Lakers, skills that would be key next to LA’s superstars. Anthony Davis—who had his own breakout performance in LA’s season opener—has proven he can thrive as the focus of JJ Redick’s system, and LeBron James is showing no signs of slowing down in a historic year 22. But outside of those two and Rui Hachimura, the team’s frontcourt still needs to improve.
No matter what happens this season, Aldama is a worthy target to pursue next summer. He’s a great floor-spacing big who would fit right into Redick’s philosophy of generating (and connecting on) more three-point attempts. His ability to crash the glass, evident more so in preseason, is an added bonus. By putting up such excellent numbers this early in his career, Aldama has not only exceeded expectations but put himself on the radar of many contenders. The Lakers, at the very least, should throw their hats in the ring for Aldama when the time comes.
Why Not Trade for Him Now?
With Aldama already showing tremendous growth amid a logjam up front, fans may be asking why the Lakers aren’t adding him to this year’s wishlist of trade targets.
As GM Rob Pelinka once said, “You can’t buy a house that’s not for sale.” The Grizzlies have no intention of moving on from Aldama, and head coach Taylor Jenkins is inclined to find opportunities for him behind Jaren Jackson Jr.—currently nursing a hamstring injury—and top-ten pick Zach Edey—beginning his career as an NBA starter. Jenkins raved about Aldama Wednesday night, telling reporters:
“Once we’re fully healthy and all that stuff, I think he can still make an extreme impact in a lot of different positions. I keep telling him just to be a man on a mission out there. He had two great summers in back-to-back years. The national team experience has really given him a boost of confidence…He’s up for the task going into his fourth year. I think he’s learned a lot and understands the impact that he can have. We’re going to keep challenging him to do that.”
As such, it seems any hopes of the Lakers—or any other team—trading for Aldama are off the table. However, LA shouldn’t abandon the idea completely. Having several contracts off the books next offseason (D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish) should open the door for the Lakers to make a run at Aldama, which they should seriously consider doing if they want to put Redick, James and Davis in an even better position to succeed.
