Lakers interested in Aaron Gordon, per report

The former Wildcat is a restricted free agent, so the Orlando Magic can match any offer

The Los Angeles Lakers are already known for having several former Arizona Wildcats, and they might try to sign one during free agency.

The Lakers are a team to “keep an eye on” in Aaron Gordon’s free agency this summer, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.

L.A. has the most cap space in the league, but the Orlando Magic would be able to match any offer for Gordon since he is their restricted free agent. Gordon is seeking a max contract and said he wants to stay in Orlando.

The Magic, by all indications, want him back.

Outside of the Magic, a source said another team to keep an eye on in regards to Magic RFA forward Aaron Gordon is the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic GM John Hammond has already told @TheUndefeated that the hope is to re-sign @UncleDrewFilm star long-term. https://t.co/qr2HFFrBd9

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 1, 2018

So it is unlikely Gordon is headed to the City of Angels, but Harrison Faigen analyzed a potential Gordon-to-L.A. scenario over at Silver Screen and Roll:

Gordon would be an interesting target for the Lakers, who would need the type of mobility he provides if they lose [Julius] Randle in free agency. But even outside of retaining Randle or not, Gordon would be an excellent fit in Luke Walton’s offensive and defensive systems as a U of A alum versatile defender with multiple offensive skills.

With the Magic looking to retain Gordon, however, he may not realistically be gettable. As a restricted free agent, Orlando can match any offer for Gordon, so theoretically even if the Lakers gave him the maximum allowable amount they can, the Magic could still choose to keep him.

For now, despite all of the players they’re registering interest in, the Lakers seem to be in a holding pattern until it’s confirmed whether or not LeBron James will be joining their team.

Until then, it’s probably safe to take any reports of their interest in other players with a heavy grain of salt, because they likely won’t be pursuing them too hard until they figure out for sure if James will be coming aboard.

Gordon averaged 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his fourth season with the Magic. All those figures are career-highs. He also shot a career-best from 3-point land (.336).

A max contract with Orlando would be a five-year deal worth about $148 million. If Gordon signs a max contract elsewhere, it would be a four-year deal worth about the same annually.

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