All around the free-agency bush, the NBA chased LaMarcus Aldridge.
A pair of reputable sources shared the latest scuttlebutt on the highly prized power forward Monday night. But unfortunately for outsiders, the reports are conflicting.
Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times said Aldridge is leaning toward the Los Angeles Lakers, a somewhat-surprising revelation given the franchise has recently posted its two worst win-loss records since moving from Minneapolis in 1960.
Heard that LaMarcus Aldridge was leaning toward Lakers, a sign that their brand is not only back but never went away despite appearances.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) June 30, 2015
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports said the San Antonio Spurs are the favorite to land Aldridge, though the Portland Trail Blazers—his team since entering the league—is still in the mix.
Paul Garcia of Project Spurs noted Wojnarowski shared while appearing on Fox Sports Live:
On Fox Sports 1, Woj says the Spurs are the front runner for Aldridge right now, BUT Aldridge is still thinking about 5th year from POR.
— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) June 30, 2015
Free agency begins on Wednesday, July 1, at 12 a.m. ET, so Aldridge can visit teams on the West Coast before the clock strikes midnight. He’ll be taking full advantage of that time frame, per TNT’s David Aldridge.
So, LaMarcus visit order again, starting Tue at 9 PDT: LAL, HOU, SA, PHO, DAL, TOR, NYK. (No need 2 meet with POR; they're already offered.)
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 30, 2015
Aldridge netted a career-best 23.4 points and snatched 10.2 rebounds per game in 2014-15. The soon-to-be 30-year-old has spent all nine professional season with the Blazers.
Buckle up, basketball lovers. The pursuit of Aldridge will probably only get crazier.
Photo: USA Today Sports