Lakers in review: LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan pass on team

The Lakers survived a busy week, which started with the introduction of the team’s three draft picks, D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown.

Nance spent his first few days as a Laker apologizing for an old disparaging tweet about Kobe Bryant. Russell recently learned a few tricks from Clippers’ guard Chris Paul during a predraft workout.

With the Lakers past the draft, the attention turned to free agency, starting with forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

The team sat down with the former Portland Trail Blazer, but the meeting didn’t go well. The Lakers were able to secure a second visit, but the franchise was left pessimistic about its chances.

Soon after, Aldridge chose to join the San Antonio Spurs, leaving the Lakers looking for backup options.

While waiting for Aldridge to decide, the Lakers met with Greg Monroe, but he picked the Milwaukee Bucks.

Former Clippers center DeAndre Jordan went with the Dallas Mavericks over both local teams.

The Lakers also lost their own free agent Ed Davis, who took a three-year offer from the Trail Blazers.

While the Lakers looked to be in denial concerning their shrinking status in NBA, the team did finally secure a center, in an agreement with the Indiana Pacers to trade for Roy Hibbert.

Working quickly, the Lakers also struck an agreement with Lou Williams, the NBA’s current sixth man of the year.

The team also came to terms with free agent forward Brandon Bass, although the final salary structure may depend on the Lakers trading away additional players.

Meanwhile, the Lakers opted forward/center Jordan Hill out of his contract for the coming season, but chose to lock in Robert Sacre’s minimum deal for another year.

Julius Randle and Russell will headline the Lakers’ summer league squad in Las Vegas, starting July 10.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus